unchecked

adjective

un·​checked ˌən-ˈchekt How to pronounce unchecked (audio)
Synonyms of uncheckednext
: not checked: such as
a
: not hindered, slowed, or restrained
unchecked growth
b
: not verified
unchecked data/information

Synonyms of unchecked

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of unchecked in a Sentence

unchecked corruption in the state's prison system
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As their last retreating act, Hussein’s soldiers blew up some 700 Kuwaiti oil wells, painting the sky black with smoke and igniting unchecked fires that burned for 10 months. — Wuft News, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 Fauci’s diary provides no less than a confessional by a Big Player who is reveling in his unchecked powers and celebrity status. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026 In mission-critical environments, however, unchecked autonomy is dangerous. — Mahesh Saptharishi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The report documented conduct that employees said went unchecked for years, but its target was already outside the building. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unchecked

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unchecked was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unchecked

See All Rhymes for unchecked

Browse Nearby Words

uncheckable
unchecked
uncheerful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unchecked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unchecked. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on unchecked

Nglish: Translation of unchecked for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All