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Unsafe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsafe

[ʌnˈseɪf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not safe or secure; dangerous or risky.

Synonyms

dangerous, hazardous, risky.

Examples of usage

  • It is unsafe to walk alone in this neighborhood at night.
  • Driving without a seatbelt is unsafe.
  • Using expired medication can be unsafe.
Context #2 | Adjective

health

Not conducive to well-being; unhealthy.

Synonyms

detrimental, harmful, unhealthy.

Examples of usage

  • Eating expired food can be unsafe for your health.
  • Exposure to asbestos is unsafe for the lungs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling unsafe can lead to anxiety and stress, impacting mental health.
  • A sense of safety is crucial for emotional well-being, especially in children, influencing their development.
  • Safety can also affect decision-making; when people feel unsafe, they may avoid risks that they would otherwise take.

Law and Safety Regulations

  • Unsafe working conditions are a major concern addressed by labor laws to protect workers.
  • Regulatory agencies, like OSHA in the U.S., focus on identifying and mitigating unsafe practices in various industries.
  • Products can be deemed unsafe and recalled if they pose a risk to consumers, reflecting the importance of safety standards.

Culture and Society

  • In many communities, unsafe neighborhoods are often associated with higher crime rates and social issues.
  • The phrase 'feeling unsafe' can also relate to social injustices, highlighting issues of discrimination or exclusion.
  • Media often portrays unsafe situations to explore societal fears, such as in horror films or news stories about crime.

Education

  • Schools emphasize safe environments to ensure students can learn without fear of bullying or violence.
  • Safety drills (like fire or earthquake drills) are practiced in schools to prepare students for unsafe situations.
  • Teaching children about safety, whether at home or online, helps them recognize and respond to potentially unsafe scenarios.

Origin of 'unsafe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unsafe' comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning not, and 'safe', which means protected from danger.
  • It has been used in the English language since the early 16th century.
  • The opposite of 'unsafe' is 'safe', which has origins relating to being unharmed or secure.

The word 'unsafe' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'safe'. It has been used to describe situations or conditions that pose a risk to safety or well-being.

See also: safe, safekeeping, safely, safen, safeness, safety.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,981 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.