Unmaintained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unmaintained
[ʌnmənˈteɪnd ]
Definition
software development
Not receiving updates or maintenance, often leading to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.
Synonyms
abandoned, neglected, outdated.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unmaintained |
Used to describe something that has not been taken care of or serviced for an extended period, often leading to its decline.
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| neglected |
Indicates that something has been disregarded or given insufficient attention or care, leading to its deterioration. This often carries a negative connotation pointing to negligence.
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| outdated |
Describes something that is no longer current or up-to-date, often due to new developments or technologies. It doesn't necessarily imply poor maintenance, just that it is obsolete.
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| abandoned |
Refers to something that has been left by its owner or caretaker and is no longer attended to. Often used for places, buildings, or projects.
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Examples of usage
- The unmaintained software became increasingly unstable over time.
- Using an unmaintained library can pose a security risk to your project.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many urban areas, unmaintained parks can become symbols of neglect and can affect community well-being.
- Cultural attitudes toward maintenance significantly vary; in some societies, ensuring public spaces are well-kept is seen as a communal responsibility.
- In some video games, 'unmaintained' refers to assets or locations that players may find abandoned, often related to game lore.
Psychology
- The perception of unmaintained spaces can impact mental health; disorderly environments can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Psychological studies show that maintenance of surroundings contributes to feelings of safety and stability.
- Research indicates that unmaintained areas may deter social interaction, impacting community cohesion.
Technology
- In software development, 'unmaintained' refers to applications that are no longer updated or supported, increasing security risks.
- Open-source projects often become unmaintained when developers shift focus, leaving users at risk without updates.
- Technological systems listed as unmaintained may lack compatibility with newer hardware or software, leading to functionality issues.
Environmental Impact
- Unmaintained land can lead to environmental degradation, where weeds overtake gardens or polluted areas remain unaddressed.
- Abandoned buildings and unmaintained infrastructure can create urban heat islands, contributing to climate change.
- Wildlife can thrive in unmaintained spaces, but this can also lead to issues such as invasive species taking over.
Origin of 'unmaintained'
Main points about word origin
- 'Unmaintained' combines the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', with 'maintained', which comes from the Latin 'manere', meaning 'to stay or remain'.
- The prefix 'un-' is used in many English words to indicate the opposite, like 'unhappy' means not happy.
- The root word 'maintain' has evolved over centuries to encompass ideas of care and preservation.
The word 'unmaintained' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'maintain'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in the context of infrastructure and has since been widely used in various fields to describe things that are not being properly cared for or updated.
See also: maintain, maintained, maintaining, maintenance.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,102, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.