Unsorted: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsorted

 

[ʌnˈsɔːtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

data

Not arranged in a particular order

Synonyms

chaotic, disordered, jumbled, random.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsorted

When referring to items that have not been organized in any specific order, usually in the context of data, files, or physical objects.

  • The documents on the desk were unsorted and it was hard to find the report.
  • The emails in my inbox are unsorted and I need to organize them.
disordered

When referring to a lack of order, structure, or arrangement, often implying a physical or mental state. Can have a negative connotation.

  • His room was disordered, with clothes and books strewn everywhere.
  • The patient's thoughts were disordered, making it difficult to follow the conversation.
chaotic

When describing a situation or environment that is extremely disorganized, confusing, and often stressful. Has a slightly negative connotation.

  • The classroom was chaotic after the announcement of the fire drill.
  • The traffic was chaotic due to the unexpected road closure.
random

When describing something happening without a specific pattern, order, or purpose. Often used in statistical or everyday contexts.

  • The lottery numbers are selected in a random manner.
  • She made a random comment during the meeting that surprised everyone.
jumbled

When describing a mixture of things in a confused or untidy arrangement, often highlighting difficulty in distinguishing individual items.

  • The puzzle pieces were jumbled together in the box.
  • Her notes were a jumbled mess, making it hard to study.

Examples of usage

  • Please sort the unsorted list of names alphabetically.
  • The unsorted data made it difficult to analyze the information.
Context #2 | Noun

laundry

Clothing that has not been sorted according to type or color

Synonyms

unarranged, unorganized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsorted

When referring to items that have not been classified or categorized, especially in situations dealing with data or physical objects.

  • The emails in my inbox are unsorted
  • The files you gave me are still unsorted
unorganized

Describes a situation, event, or system that lacks order and structure, often implying a more chaotic or inefficient state. Can be used negatively.

  • The unorganized event led to many complaints
  • His desk is always unorganized and messy
unarranged

Used when something has not been planned or organized in terms of scheduling or presentation, often implying a lack of preparatory effort.

  • The unarranged furniture made the room look chaotic
  • Our meeting details are still unarranged

Examples of usage

  • She threw all the clothes in the unsorted pile.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unsorted' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', combined with 'sorted', which comes from the Old French word 'sorte', meaning 'to arrange or classify'.
  • It became common in English use in the 1980s, particularly with the rise of computer science and data management.
  • Usage of 'unsorted' often appears in categories related to data structure in computer science, emphasizing the importance of organization.

Technology

  • In computer science, 'unsorted' refers to data that has not been arranged in a specific order, which can affect processing speed.
  • Sorting algorithms are crucial in programming, as they convert 'unsorted' data into organized formats for easier access and analysis.
  • Unsourced data can lead to errors in computation or analysis, which is a significant concern in data-driven industries.

Everyday Life

  • 'Unsorted' can apply to anything from laundry piles to books on a shelf, pointing to the need for order in daily tasks.
  • People often feel less stressed when their surroundings are sorted and organized, highlighting a psychological benefit to tidiness.
  • The concept of being 'unsorted' resonates with cluttered spaces that can overwhelm the mind and reduce productivity.

Art and Design

  • In visual art, 'unsorted' designs or layouts can evoke chaos or spontaneity, inviting viewers to interpret freely without boundaries.
  • Artists might intentionally create 'unsorted' collections to challenge traditional notions of aesthetic order and beauty.
  • Some modern art movements embrace 'unsorted' elements to reflect the complexity of contemporary life.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'unsorted' character arcs to create tension in a story, showcasing characters who struggle to find their place.
  • In poetry, 'unsorted' structure can mirror disarray in human experiences, allowing readers to connect with chaotic emotions.
  • Books might explore themes of 'unsorted' thoughts in characters’ minds, emphasizing the complexity of human psychology.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsorted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não classificado

🇮🇳 असंगठित

🇩🇪 unsortiert

🇮🇩 tidak terurut

🇺🇦 несортований

🇵🇱 nieposortowany

🇯🇵 未整理

🇫🇷 non trié

🇪🇸 no ordenado

🇹🇷 sıralanmamış

🇰🇷 정렬되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مصنف

🇨🇿 netříděný

🇸🇰 nestriedený

🇨🇳 未分类

🇸🇮 neurejen

🇮🇸 ósorteraður

🇰🇿 сұрыпталмаған

🇬🇪 დაუსუფთავებელი

🇦🇿 sıralanmamış

🇲🇽 no ordenado

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,230 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.