unsafe

USAGE SUMMARY

"unsafe" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe something that carries a risk of danger or harm, such as a situation, environment, or object. For example, "The neighborhood was deemed unsafe for children, so it was no longer recommended for families with young children to move there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pupil premium is great, but not much help if you are being evicted because of the bedroom tax, or living in a substandard or unsafe home, or missing out on a good breakfast.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think currently the system is inefficient and unsafe".

The Guardian

Having created unsafe technological structures that mined you, they thought they were merely engaged in undisclosed bargaining over how much of what they had on you they should deliver.

The Guardian - Tech

So should we be more careful not to make our children feel that the world is unsafe?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many women are forced to resort to cheap and unsafe means of abortion such as self-inflicted torture, self-poisoning and inserting sharp objects, like knitting needles, into the vagina.

The Guardian

Antenatal care "Antenatal care provided by IHMS is unsafe and inadequate and does not comply with Australian standards".

The Guardian

Those with children to carry bring still less, having paid €1,200 £8755) to make the journey from the Turkish mainland; 40 to 45 people in unsafe, 15ft plastic dinghies, floors lined with plywood, damp with seawater.

The Guardian

Following Sir Robert Francis's inquiry into failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust in 2013, the link between poor patient care and unsafe staffing levels became an urgent issue for the government to address.

The Guardian

The head of Network Rail has demanded a dramatic change in the "macho" culture on the railways, saying that unsafe working practices are causing "appalling tragedies" and hundreds of casualties each year.

The Guardian - Business

The measures the health secretary announced included a duty of candour on the NHS to be open with patients about mistakes and the appointment of 5,000 safety champions charged with identifying unsafe care.

The Guardian

Nearly 50% of people aged 12 to 35 in more developed countries are exposed to unsafe sound levels from personal devices, and around 40% are exposed to potentially damaging sound levels at venues such as sporting events or concerts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific situation or environment, use "unsafe" to clearly communicate the presence of potential dangers or risks. For example, "The construction site was deemed unsafe due to lack of safety measures."

Common error

While "unsafe" is a clear and direct term, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Instead, consider alternatives like "hazardous" or "precarious" to add nuance and sophistication to your description.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unsafe" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of safety or the presence of danger. It highlights potential risks associated with a particular situation, object, or environment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "unsafe" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe something that poses a risk or danger. According to Ludwig AI, the word is valid and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news reports, business documents, and scientific literature, serving to warn or inform about potential hazards. While it has a neutral register, users should consider stronger synonyms in formal writing to enhance impact and precision. Major sources include The Guardian and The Economist. When writing, remember that while "unsafe" is direct, varying word choices based on intended nuance is recommended. Overall, understanding its usage helps communicate risks effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dangerous

Emphasizes the presence of a high risk of harm or injury.

hazardous

Highlights the potential for causing harm or damage, especially to health or safety.

perilous

Suggests a grave and immediate danger.

risky

Focuses on the probability of negative outcomes or failure.

precarious

Indicates instability and a high likelihood of collapse or failure.

insecure

Stresses the lack of protection or stability, either physically or emotionally.

unprotected

Highlights the absence of a safeguard or defense against harm.

vulnerable

Emphasizes susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

unstable

Suggests a lack of stability and a tendency to change unpredictably.

exposed

Highlights the state of being open to attack or harm.

FAQs

How can I use "unsafe" in a sentence?

You can use "unsafe" to describe a condition or situation that is dangerous or not secure, such as "The bridge was deemed unsafe for heavy vehicles" or "Drinking water from that source is unsafe".

What are some synonyms for "unsafe"?

Alternatives to "unsafe" include "dangerous", "hazardous", "risky", and "precarious". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "unsafe" rather than "dangerous"?

"Unsafe" and "dangerous" are often interchangeable, but "unsafe" can sometimes imply a lack of protection or security measures, while "dangerous" more directly indicates the presence of harm or risk.

Is it correct to say something is "very unsafe"?

While grammatically correct, using "very unsafe" can sound somewhat redundant. Consider using a stronger synonym like "extremely dangerous" or "highly hazardous" for greater impact.