Ownerless: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that has no owner at all, often in a theoretical or abstract sense.

• The island was considered ownerless before the explorers claimed it
• An ownerless artifact was found in the depths of the ocean

Used to describe something that currently has no owner, not necessarily implying it was ever owned before.

• The unowned land between the properties was often used as a shortcut
• Stray animals are often unowned and in need of care

Used when something is not claimed by anyone, often found and waiting for someone to take ownership.

• The unclaimed baggage at the airport was collected and stored
• The lottery prize went unclaimed for months

Used to describe something that was once owned or cared for but has been left behind, often with a sense of neglect or desolation.

• The abandoned house stood at the end of the street, its windows broken and paint peeling
• Many pets end up abandoned when their owners move away without taking them

Note: 'Ownerless' is a duplicate entry. Refer to the context and examples provided for the first 'ownerless'.

Commonly used in legal, real estate, or conservation contexts to describe land or buildings that have not been claimed by an owner. This term might have a more official or formal tone.

• The government is looking to convert unowned property into public parks.
• Squatters started living in the unowned property downtown.

Typically used in legal or real estate contexts to describe property, land, or assets that do not have a clear owner or heir.

• The town council had to decide what to do with the ownerless estate.
• The ownerless estate has been abandoned for years.