unlocked
Britishadjective
Explanation
Something that's unlocked isn't latched or secured. You can open an unlocked door and walk right through it. If your front door isn't locked, it's unlocked. Unless you lock it with a key or turn a bolt in the latch, it's going to stay unlocked. A more modern version of this adjective is used for mobile phones, and it means "able to operate on any carrier's network," rather than one specific network. So your unlocked smart phone will work with whichever phone company you choose.
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.
The Titans are coming off their first win, although it’s not as if their offense has been unlocked — they’re 31st in scoring.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
With the Garry Shandling documentary, very late in the process, we found a letter he wrote to his brother that really unlocked Garry’s feelings, about his brother and his life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
The door was unlocked, and when the witnesses entered they found a child crying under the kitchen table.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
At length, Colin unlocked the outside door to the portico and the security guards exited the building.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
And tonight, when I turn the knob, the door is unlocked.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
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