Unpaired: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶
Add to dictionary

unpaired

 

[ ʌnˈperd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in relationships

Not having a partner; not being in a romantic relationship.

Synonyms

alone, single, unattached.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unpaired

Used in technical or scientific contexts, especially when referring to elements or objects that are not matched or do not have a pair.

  • The electrons in this molecule are unpaired
single

Refers to something that is one in number, not part of a pair or a couple. Commonly used to describe individuals who are not in romantic relationships.

  • He is single and not looking to date right now
  • There was a single red rose in the bouquet
unattached

Describes someone not committed to a romantic relationship or not connected to any group or organization. Generally neutral but can imply a sense of freedom or independence.

  • She is currently unattached and enjoying her independence
  • He remained unattached to any political party
alone

Used to describe someone or something that is by itself, often emphasizing a state of solitude or isolation. Can have a negative connotation when describing emotional states.

  • She felt alone in the crowded room
  • He lives alone in a small apartment

Examples of usage

  • He always felt lonely at weddings because he was the only unpaired person there.
  • She enjoyed her unpaired status and focused on her career instead of dating.
  • I feel comfortable being unpaired at the moment and not rushing into a relationship.
Context #2 | Adjective

in objects

Not forming a pair; not matching with another similar object.

Synonyms

different, mismatched, odd.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unpaired

When something is by itself or not matched with another item. Commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The socks were unpaired after laundry day
  • In the experiment, we observed several unpaired electrons
mismatched

When items that are meant to match do not. Often implies a lack of harmony and is sometimes used negatively.

  • Her socks were mismatched, with one being red and the other blue
  • The furniture in the room seemed mismatched, creating a disorganized look
odd

When something stands out because it is not usual or typical. Can have a negative connotation depending on the context.

  • He has an odd habit of collecting bottle caps
  • Wearing odd shoes to a formal event made him feel out of place
different

When two or more things are not the same. Used broadly in most contexts.

  • We have different opinions on this matter
  • These two dresses come in different colors

Examples of usage

  • She had an unpaired sock in her drawer that she couldn't find the match for.
  • The unpaired earrings were sold separately as mix-and-match accessories.

Translations

Translations of the word "unpaired" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não pareado

🇮🇳 अविवाहित

🇩🇪 ungepaart

🇮🇩 tidak berpasangan

🇺🇦 непарний

🇵🇱 nieparzysty

🇯🇵 ペアになっていない

🇫🇷 non apparié

🇪🇸 no emparejado

🇹🇷 eşleşmemiş

🇰🇷 짝이 없는

🇸🇦 غير مزدوج

🇨🇿 nepárový

🇸🇰 nepárový

🇨🇳 未配对

🇸🇮 neparjen

🇮🇸 óparaður

🇰🇿 жұпталмаған

🇬🇪 უპარტიო

🇦🇿 cütləşməmiş

🇲🇽 no emparejado

Etymology

The word 'unpaired' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'paired,' which comes from the Old French word 'par' meaning 'equal.' The concept of being unpaired can be traced back to the idea of not being in a pair or match, whether in relationships or objects.

See also: impair, pair, paired, pairing, repair.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,647, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.