unlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been opened or made accessible, often in the context of devices, doors, or accounts. Example: "After entering the correct password, the phone was unlocked and ready for use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The accounts can also be unlocked if certain conditions are being fulfilled, such as the offending user providing Twitter with their phone number for verification purposes, or deleting the problem tweets.

The Guardian - Tech

One day he produced a large rusty key that unlocked one of the two mausoleums.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fremantle's narrow home win against Port Adelaide was, if anything, slightly better than we'd hoped and Monday's Hawthorn-Geelong blockbuster started as expected - a claustrophobic, high-intensity shoot-out - before the Hawks unlocked their turbo-mode capabilities and killed it off as a contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Afraid to sit on toilets in case a rat emerged from the U-bend, at school I also had to leave the cubicle door unlocked for fear of being accidentally locked in all night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The door to any executive cannot be unlocked until everyone enters on the same basis.

The Guardian

Xiaomi sells its cheaper RedMi handsets for $130 unlocked, and its higher quality Mi3 for $330, undercutting similar handsets from Apple and Samsung.

The Guardian - Tech

Jane, always a quiet woman, had said very little, but her presence had unlocked something in him.

The Guardian - Arts

Aid would then be unlocked at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers.

The Guardian - Business

Next time you come back to your car and find it unlocked it might not be because you forgot to lock it – a thief sitting nearby might have actually stopped you locking your car without you knowing.

The Guardian - Tech

"Unintentional child gun deaths can be prevented: if fewer gun owners left their guns loaded and unlocked, fewer children would lose their lives," the Everytown report said.

The Guardian

That's wonderful news for the millions of individuals of different abilities, ages and nationalities who dream of seeing their home planet from the blackness and silence of space.As an entrepreneur, I have seen many examples of technologies that are brought into existence by governments but show their true potential only when unlocked to the private sector.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing digital security, consider using "unlocked" to indicate that a device or account is accessible without a password or other security measures.

Common error

Avoid using "unlocked" when you simply mean something is not fastened or closed. "Unlocked" specifically implies that a locking mechanism was previously engaged, and has now been disengaged, not just that something is open.

Linguistic Context

The word "unlocked" primarily functions as an adjective describing a state of being open or accessible, typically after a locking mechanism has been disengaged. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from physical objects to digital devices, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "unlocked" is a versatile adjective indicating a state of being open or accessible after a locking mechanism has been disengaged. It appears frequently across various contexts, including news, business, and technology. As Ludwig AI points out, "unlocked" is grammatically correct and usable, making it a reliable choice for describing physical and digital access. Consider alternatives like "not locked", "opened", or "accessible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that "unlocked" implies the prior presence of a locking mechanism, distinguishing it from simpler terms like "open".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not locked

Focuses on the state of not being secured, similar to "unlocked" when referring to physical objects.

opened

A direct synonym, implying the action of unlocking has been completed.

accessible

Highlights the ability to be accessed or used, a common result of something being "unlocked".

available

Emphasizes the readiness for use or access, implying a state where restrictions have been removed.

released

Suggests the removal of constraints, often used in contexts where something was previously held back.

deactivated

Implies that some lock mechanism is no longer active

free

Highlights the absence of constraints or barriers.

unchained

Focuses on the idea of physical freedom and liberation.

unsecured

A more general term for not being protected or fastened.

set free

Emphasizes the action of liberating something from a locked or restricted state.

FAQs

How can I use "unlocked" in a sentence?

You can use "unlocked" to describe the state of something that was previously locked and is now open or accessible. For example: "The door was "not locked", so I simply walked in." or "The phone is "accessible" after entering the passcode."

What's the difference between "unlocked" and "opened"?

"Unlocked" implies that a locking mechanism has been disengaged, while "opened" simply means something is no longer closed. You can "open" a door without unlocking it if it wasn't locked in the first place.

When should I use "unlocked" instead of "accessible"?

Use "unlocked" when you want to emphasize that something was previously secured and is now "available". "Accessible" is a more general term for being able to reach or use something, regardless of whether it was ever locked.

Is it correct to say an "unlocked potential"?

Yes, "unlocked potential" is a common metaphorical usage. It suggests that something has the potential to succeed or be great, but it needs "set free" by removing barriers or providing opportunities.