unladen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unladen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not loaded or burdened, often in reference to vehicles or animals. Example: "The unladen vehicle was able to accelerate much faster than when it was fully loaded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

By August the two K-MAXs had flown 485 autonomous sorties carrying over 900 tonnes of cargo.The K-MAX was selected because it can carry over 2,700kg, which is more than its unladen weight.

The Economist

From Wally: What's the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

The New York Times

The truck I drove was unladen, but had we been towing or climbing, the truck's computer might have delayed the changeover until we decelerated, Mr. Johnson said.

The New York Times

The New York Times has learned more about the mysterious questioner who asked Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, "What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?" To recap, on Thursday The Times reported on the many questions left on the cutting room floor during an online chat the governor hosted last September.

The New York Times

The unladen swallow line is also referenced in the Python Broadway show, "Spamalot".

The New York Times

For the record, the average cruising airspeed velocity of an unladen (European) swallow has been calculated as 24 miles an hour.

The New York Times

One of those was the unladen swallow question, a chestnut from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

The New York Times

What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

The New York Times - Science

A Monty Python fan even asked the governor, "What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?" Hundreds of New Yorkers posed prodding, pointed and even pointless questions to Andrew M. Cuomo when the governor, responding to concerns about transparency in his administration, sat down one Saturday morning in September to field inquiries online.

The New York Times

But, away from trunk routes, on the way to get eggs, we have passed the toll house of the Blackmore Vale Turnpike Trust, with its notice of charges made for use of the road in 1824 by coaches, curricles, barouches, wagons, landaus and hearses as well as horses, oxen and mules, laden or unladen (one penny-halfpenny).

The Guardian

It also had to be reinforced, because my drone weighs about two and a half tons unladen, and that doesn't count the weight of the trailer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing vehicles or equipment, use "unladen" to specify the weight or condition when it is not carrying any load, for instance, "the unladen weight of the truck is 2 tons".

Common error

Avoid using "unladen" when you mean the action of removing a load. "Unladen" describes a state (empty), while "unloading" describes the process of emptying something. For example, use "unloading the truck" instead of "unladening the truck".

Linguistic Context

The term "unladen" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of being without a load or cargo. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing the condition of vehicles or objects, such as an "unladen" truck or swallow.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unladen" is an adjective used to describe something that is not carrying a load. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. Remember to use "unladen" to describe the state of being empty, and avoid confusing it with the action of unloading. When describing people as free from burdens, consider alternative words like "unburdened" for a more suitable tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Empty

Focuses on the absence of contents.

Without cargo

Specifically refers to the absence of transported goods.

Not loaded

Directly describes the state of not having a load.

Not carrying

Describes the state of not transporting anything.

Unburdened

Emphasizes the removal of a weight or responsibility.

Free of load

Explicitly states the absence of any load.

Lightweight

Highlights the reduced weight due to the absence of a load.

Without a burden

Similar to "unburdened", focuses on the absence of weight.

Bare

Implies a state of being without additions or coverings.

Clear

Indicates a lack of obstruction or contents.

FAQs

How is "unladen" used in a sentence?

"Unladen" is used to describe something that is not carrying a load. For example, "The "unladen truck" could travel much faster".

What does "unladen weight" mean?

"Unladen weight" refers to the weight of a vehicle when it is not carrying any passengers, cargo, or other loads. It's the weight of the vehicle itself with all standard equipment.

What can I say instead of "unladen"?

Alternatives to "unladen" include "empty", "without cargo", or "not loaded". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "unladen" to describe a person?

While less common, "unladen" can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is free from burdens or responsibilities, but it's more frequently used for vehicles or objects. Consider alternatives like "unburdened" or "free from responsibility" for people.