unaffected
1 Americanadjective
adjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unaffected1
First recorded in 1580–90; un- 1 + affected 2
Origin of unaffected2
First recorded in 1580–90; un- 1 + affected 1
Explanation
When bad weather or a mean aunt or some other force takes over and you still don't change, you're unaffected. If your party was unaffected by the rain and Aunt Emma's no-fun attitude, then everyone probably had a good time. Unaffected has other meanings, too. It can mean natural and genuine, or unemotional. If someone says you're unaffected they could mean you're genuine; you don't put on an act for people. Saying you were unaffected by your favorite team's loss means you weren't upset by it.
Vocabulary lists containing unaffected
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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50 Words from Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice"
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Emma
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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.
Refineries unaffected by the conflict are thus benefiting from the tightening global supply of such products.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
Speed and control in the aircraft’s final descent appeared to be unaffected by the structural stress imposed on the ailerons, hinged panels used to roll the aircraft, and elevators.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
A spokesperson for the University of Nottingham said it was "disappointed" by the timing of industrial action, adding many students would be "unaffected" by the strikes.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
“We are gay, we are Latino, and we are a very specific group. West Hollywood appears to be unaffected by this problem,” Sokol said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
A blaze of scorching light made them shade their eyes; only Xaphania seemed unaffected by the onslaught of sound and light and heat.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
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.
