Unsafe: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️
Add to dictionary

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsafe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inseguro

🇮🇳 असुरक्षित

🇩🇪 unsicher

🇮🇩 tidak aman

🇺🇦 небезпечний

🇵🇱 niebezpieczny

🇯🇵 危険な

🇫🇷 dangereux

🇪🇸 inseguro

🇹🇷 güvensiz

🇰🇷 위험한

🇸🇦 غير آمن

🇨🇿 nebezpečný

🇸🇰 nebezpečný

🇨🇳 不安全

🇸🇮 nevaren

🇮🇸 óöruggur

🇰🇿 қауіпті

🇬🇪 მიუზღუდავი

🇦🇿 təhlükəsiz olmayan

🇲🇽 inseguro

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.