unchecked
Britishadjective
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not prevented from continuing or growing
unchecked population growth
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not examined or inspected
adverb
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without being stopped or hindered
the virus could spread unchecked
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without being examined or inspected
our luggage passed unchecked through customs
Explanation
If something isn't held back or restrained, it's unchecked, like the unchecked growth of the weeds in your neighbor's garden. Use unchecked to describe things that are increasing or growing, especially if they're unwanted. The unchecked sprawl of a city might result in the loss of animal habitats, and your class's unchecked chatter will eventually make it impossible for you to hear the teacher when he tries to get your attention. This word comes from the verb check, "to hold or control," the way you control your opponent's king in a game of chess by putting it in check.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How the gains hold up if AI-centered turbulence continues unchecked remains to be seen.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Unified had overextended itself in newly approved union contracts and faces a deficit that, if unchecked, would grow to $3.585 billion by June 30, 2029, the county said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
His still largely unchecked dominance will leave many hoping Alcaraz can complete a swift return to full health, after the pair's burgeoning rivalry had begun to take off.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
Some investors are also concerned about Musk’s “basically unchecked power” over SpaceX and the company’s roughly $2 trillion valuation, she added.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
“Clearly, your manners have suffered from our missed appointment. Still, there are more important matters to attend to now. If left unchecked, the Ifrit will surely destroy us all, if not this entire world.”
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
