Unguaranteed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unguaranteed

[ˌʌnˌɡærənˈtiːd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

financial

Not guaranteed or assured; lacking a guarantee.

Synonyms

insecure, risky, uncertain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unguaranteed

Used when there is no formal promise or assurance that something will happen.

  • The investment offers high returns but is unguaranteed.
  • The contract came with unguaranteed benefits.
uncertain

Used when there is a lack of sure knowledge or definite plans regarding something.

  • The weather forecast is uncertain for the weekend.
  • She felt uncertain about her future career path.
insecure

Often used to describe a situation where safety or stability is lacking, or to refer to a lack of confidence in oneself.

  • The ladder felt insecure and wobbly.
  • He felt insecure about his presentation skills.
risky

Appropriate for situations that involve a high level of danger or uncertainty, usually implying potential loss or harm.

  • Starting a new business can be very risky.
  • Skydiving is a risky activity.

Examples of usage

  • The investment carries an unguaranteed return.
  • Our purchase comes with an unguaranteed warranty.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law and Contracts

  • In legal terms, being 'unguaranteed' often indicates a lack of warranty, which can lead to disputes if something goes wrong.
  • Many consumer products come with guarantees to protect buyers, while those that are unguaranteed can leave customers feeling uncertain.
  • Understanding the difference between guaranteed and unguaranteed terms is essential when making significant purchases.

Finance

  • Investments that are 'unguaranteed' carry higher risks, meaning that the returns are not promised and can fluctuate.
  • In lending, an unguaranteed loan is one that is not backed by collateral, representing a risk for the lender.
  • Insurance policies can be unguaranteed; for example, some health policies may only cover certain conditions, leaving others unprotected.

Psychology

  • Experiencing something 'unguaranteed' can lead to increased anxiety, as people prefer stability and assurance.
  • The human brain often looks for patterns; when faced with unguaranteed outcomes, it may interpret uncertainty as a threat.
  • Cognitive biases, like the illusion of control, can influence how individuals perceive unguaranteed situations, leading to over-optimism.

Literature

  • In literature, themes of trust and betrayal often hinge on concepts of guarantee versus unguaranteed outcomes.
  • Characters who offer unguaranteed support can symbolize uncertainty in relationships, showcasing complex emotional dynamics.
  • Many authors explore the tension created by unguaranteed futures, especially in genres like dystopian fiction where outcomes are uncertain.

Origin of 'unguaranteed'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', combined with 'guaranteed', it indicates a lack of assurance.
  • The word 'guarantee' comes from the Old French 'garantir', meaning to protect or defend, which evolved to signify promise in English.
  • The concept of a guarantee has been around since the late Middle Ages, indicating the importance of trust in transactions.

The word 'unguaranteed' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning not and 'guaranteed', which comes from the word 'guarantee' meaning an assurance or promise. The concept of guaranteeing something has been around for centuries, with the idea of providing security or assurance. 'Unguaranteed' is commonly used in financial contexts to describe situations where there is no assurance or guarantee of a specific outcome.


See also: guarantee, guarantor.