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Unsecured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsecured

[ˌʌn.sɪˈkjʊəd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

financial

Not protected or guaranteed against potential loss or damage. Not backed by collateral or security.

Synonyms

unfunded, unguaranteed, unprotected.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsecured

Typically used in financial contexts to describe loans or debts that are not backed by collateral.

  • He applied for an unsecured loan to pay for his medical expenses.
  • Unsecured debts often carry higher interest rates due to the increased risk to the lender.
unprotected

Used in a variety of situations to indicate a lack of safety measures or defenses in place.

  • It's dangerous to leave personal data unprotected on the internet.
  • The garden was unprotected from the harsh winter winds.
unguaranteed

Describes something that does not have a formal assurance or promise of performance or fulfillment.

  • The success of a startup company is often unguaranteed and involves high risks.
  • Investors should be cautious with unguaranteed returns.
unfunded

Used to refer to projects, plans, or obligations that do not have financial resources allocated to them.

  • The new school building project remains unfunded despite many fundraising efforts.
  • Pension liabilities pose a significant challenge for unfunded retirement plans.

Examples of usage

  • The unsecured loan had a higher interest rate.
  • Many credit cards offer unsecured lines of credit.
  • The unsecured debt was a significant risk for the company.
  • The unsecured bond was considered a risky investment.
  • The unsecured nature of the loan made it difficult to obtain.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Finance

  • In financial terms, unsecured refers to loans or credit that are not backed by collateral, meaning lenders take a greater risk.
  • Credit cards are typically unsecured because they do not require collateral, relying instead on the borrower's creditworthiness.

Cybersecurity

  • In digital contexts, unsecured systems are those without adequate protective measures, making them susceptible to breaches.
  • Public Wi-Fi networks are often considered unsecured, as data transmitted over them can be intercepted easily by others.

Legal

  • In legal documents, unsecured refers to agreements or obligations that lack liens or claims against specific assets.
  • Unsecured debt can impact personal finance dramatically since it lacks the protection of assets.

Social Implications

  • The notion of being unsecured can extend to personal safety, where individuals feel vulnerable in their communities.
  • In psychological terms, feeling unsecured might relate to anxiety and fear about one's safety or stability.

Origin of 'unsecured'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' and 'secured,' which comes from the Latin 'securus' meaning 'free from care.'
  • The term has been used since the late 15th century to describe something that is not set or fixed.

The word 'unsecured' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'secure'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century in English language texts. The concept of something being unsecured has long been associated with financial and legal contexts, where it refers to assets or debts that lack protection or collateral.

See also: insecure, insecurity, secured, securely, secureness, securing, security.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,289, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.