Unmanned: meaning, definitions and examples

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unmanned

 

[ ʌnˈmænd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lacking crew

The term 'unmanned' refers to something that operates without the presence of a human crew or operator. It is commonly used in contexts such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which fly without a pilot on board. This technology is prevalent in military and civilian applications, which enable remote operations and data gathering without risking human lives. 'Unmanned' can also apply to vehicles or vessels in various industries, where remote control or automated systems are utilized to carry out tasks.

Synonyms

automated, pilotless, remote-controlled, robotic

Examples of usage

  • The military deployed unmanned drones for reconnaissance.
  • Unmanned spacecraft have been sent to explore Mars.
  • The company is developing unmanned delivery robots.
  • Unmanned systems are revolutionizing disaster response.

Translations

Translations of the word "unmanned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não tripulado

🇮🇳 बिना चालक

🇩🇪 unbemannt

🇮🇩 tanpa awak

🇺🇦 безпілотний

🇵🇱 bezzałogowy

🇯🇵 無人の

🇫🇷 sans pilote

🇪🇸 no tripulado

🇹🇷 insansız

🇰🇷 무인

🇸🇦 غير المأهولة

🇨🇿 bezpilotní

🇸🇰 bezpilotný

🇨🇳 无人驾驶

🇸🇮 brezposadkovni

🇮🇸 manna laust

🇰🇿 адамсыз

🇬🇪 უსახელო

🇦🇿 pilot olmayan

🇲🇽 no tripulado

Word origin

The word 'unmanned' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning not or opposite of, combined with the word 'manned', which is the past participle of 'man' in the sense of to crew or to occupy. 'Man' originally referred to an adult male human, but has been used in a gender-neutral sense for centuries to indicate a person or human presence. The term began to gain prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, especially with advancements in technology leading to the development of unmanned vehicles and systems. It became particularly noteworthy in military contexts during the Cold War when remotely piloted drones were utilized. As technological innovations have progressed, the application of the term expanded into civilian sectors, including space exploration, logistics, and transportation, shaping the way society perceives human interaction with machines.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,889, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.