unafraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unafraid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is not afraid or is courageous in the face of fear or danger. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she remained unafraid and ready to face whatever came her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the practical effect of the law is that people live in fear because the offender is unafraid of the legal process then, in the name of civil liberties, we are allowing the vulnerable, the decent, the people who show respect and expect it back, to have their essential liberties trampled on.

The Guardian - Opinion

They represent a new generation of writers and citizen reporters who are unafraid to hold leaders to account.

The Guardian

"You have to be ambitious," says Whittaker, "and unafraid of failure".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet he is also unafraid to break rules.

The Guardian

He is a politician who relishes a fight and is unafraid of big ideas.

The Guardian - Opinion

This protest – in both its peaceful and more violent dimensions – is a sign of a country unafraid to fight back, for the first time in a long time.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was argumentative, unafraid, glamorous and fun, and she endured a dreadful final illness with typical grace and courage.

The Guardian

In the 1970s Collins starred in the film versions of her sister Jackie's bonkbusters, The Bitch and The Stud, and was unafraid to appear nude.

The Guardian

And he is a man determined to reshape Britain, driven by his own background and – as the education establishment can confirm – unafraid to challenge vested interests.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was consistently unafraid to take reasoned risks on subjects where he was consistently in the right – in favour of merger between the SDP and the Liberals, in favour of higher taxation to pay for education, against the Iraq war and, five years ago, against coalition with the Conservatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sky Go Dr James Fox, who showed with 2012's A History Of Art In Three Colours that he's unafraid of tackling sprawling subject matter, here seeks to connect three disparate cultural blossomings: Vienna in 1908 (the era of Freud, Klimt and Schoenberg), Paris in 1928 (Hemingway, Gershwin, Dalí), and New York in 1951 (Brando, Jackson Pollock, Kerouac).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unafraid" to describe a proactive stance against potential threats or challenges, emphasizing resilience and determination. For example, "The company was unafraid to invest in new technologies despite the economic downturn."

Common error

Don't use "unafraid" when the situation calls for a more assertive or proactive term. "Unafraid" implies a lack of fear, while sometimes you need to convey active courage or boldness.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unafraid" primarily functions to describe a state of being free from fear, or not being deterred by potential dangers or difficulties. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in various contexts. It modifies nouns to indicate their lack of fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

13%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unafraid" is a versatile adjective denoting a lack of fear or intimidation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English, deeming it correct and usable. It is frequently found in news media and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Related terms include "fearless", "brave", and "courageous", each with slightly different nuances. When using "unafraid", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and avoid using it when a more assertive or proactive term is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearless

Indicates a complete lack of fear, often implying inherent bravery.

brave

Suggests courage and willingness to face danger or difficulty.

courageous

Emphasizes the mental strength to overcome fear.

intrepid

Highlights boldness and resoluteness in the face of danger.

undaunted

Indicates not being discouraged or intimidated by obstacles.

bold

Implies a willingness to take risks and be assertive.

daring

Suggests a willingness to take risks, often for excitement or adventure.

valiant

Highlights bravery and determination, especially in the face of great danger.

heroic

Implies extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice.

assured

Implies confidence and certainty in one's abilities or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "unafraid" in a sentence?

You can use "unafraid" to describe someone or something that does not experience fear in the face of challenges or potential danger. For instance, "The explorer was unafraid of the uncharted territories."

What are some alternatives to the word "unafraid"?

Alternatives to "unafraid" include "fearless", "brave", and "courageous". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "unafraid" a formal or informal term?

"Unafraid" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and overall tone of your writing will influence the perceived formality.

What is the difference between "unafraid" and "fearless"?

While both "unafraid" and "fearless" imply a lack of fear, "unafraid" suggests a conscious overcoming of fear, whereas "fearless" implies an inherent absence of fear. The nuance depends on whether you wish to emphasize the overcoming of fear or simply its absence.