unsafe

adjective

ˌən-ˈsāf How to pronounce unsafe (audio)
Definition of unsafenext
1
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury workers are forbidden from engaging in unsafe activities on company time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in careless
not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble people who have a record of being unsafe drivers usually have to pay higher insurance premiums

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unsafe Ukraine has been cut off from international civil aviation because its own airspace is considered unsafe since Russia invaded in 2022. — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 Since the area is currently under the jurisdiction of the BLM, an inspector from the federal government could technically come to Eagle and render the land in the Foothills unsafe for public use. — Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 So why does the issue of unsafe medical practices leading to pediatric HIV keep resurfacing? — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 Assembly Bill 2346, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City, aims to reduce unsafe e-bike riding and injuries by using a multifaceted approach. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsafe
  1. dangerous
  2. careless
  3. hazardous
  4. reckless
  5. risky
  6. perilous
Adjective
  • The most dangerous place on the field in the third quarter was your own 38 yard line!
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • ShotSpotter offers targeted detection of a dangerous event versus technology like Flock's indiscriminate collection of innocent people's movements.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • Fabian Hurzeler’s side have been a little careless too, with no team making more errors leading to a shot than their five (including Lavia’s goal at the weekend).
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The golfer, who changed his plea in the DUI case from not guilty to no contest, had one charge amended to Local 1 reckless driving and a second charge altered to a careless driving citation as part of a plea deal, according to court records.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • Forecasters are expecting rain and hazardous ocean conditions.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The open valve was hazardous for delivery drivers who were breathing toxic air, said the worker, whose name was not disclosed in the report.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • The engineer abruptly resigned after refusing to contribute to a reckless corporate competition that could ultimately lead to uncontrollable AI.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • None were remotely reckless, and none prevented a promising attack, which are the usual triggers for cautions.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Price controls don't make scarce goods abundant, risky loans safe or bad choices cost-free.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The California Fast Food Workers Union‘s organizing director, Maria Maldonado, said workers often are unaware of their rights regarding heat exposure and other risky conditions common in kitchens.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of risky
Adjective
  • At that perilous moment, the players put football in perspective and sensed the historical implications of failing to acknowledge the event’s gravity.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Much like The Pynk, this series has survived and thrived in perilous times, buoyed by the love and support of the greatest fanbase on EARF.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of perilous

Browse Nearby Words

unrushed
unsafe
unsaid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsafe. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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