unencrypted

American  

[uhn-en-krip-tid] / ˌʌn ɛnˈkrɪp tɪd /

adjective

1. not enciphered or encoded; not encrypted.

   Unencrypted data sent over the internet can be intercepted by hackers.

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Etymology

Origin of unencrypted

First recorded in 1975–80; un- ¹ + encrypt + -ed ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unencrypted

During the staffer’s final weeks on the job, the person put potentially sensitive files on an unencrypted USB drive and sent others to personal email addresses, days before traveling to a restricted country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

On June 15, Daniel Haido, an associate producer of “Fortitude,” dropped off an unencrypted copy of the movie for Netflix to view and instructed the staff to delete the files after the screening.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

"How do we know this app isn't used to access files and messaging on our device, which is unencrypted on device? Or a future update won't do that?" he said on X.

From Barron's ● Dec. 2, 2025

Authorities would still have to follow a legal process, have a good reason and request permission for a specific account in order to access data - just as they do now with unencrypted data.

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2025

Hideo has his own protective shields up on his info, but even so, I’d managed to grab one unencrypted file from his account, one newly created earlier today.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

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