uncharted

American  

[uhn-chahr-tid] / ʌnˈtʃɑr tɪd /

adjective

1. not shown or located on a map; unexplored; unknown, as a place or region.

   the uncharted depths of space.

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uncharted British  

/ ʌnˈtʃɑːtɪd /

adjective

1. (of a physical or nonphysical region or area) not yet mapped, surveyed, or investigated

   uncharted waters

   the uncharted depths of the mind

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Usage

What’s the difference between uncharted and unchartered? Uncharted means unexplored or unmapped, as in uncharted territory or uncharted waters. Unchartered means not having (or not done under) a charter or some other kind of official authorization, as in an unchartered flight. It’s sometimes used to mean unauthorized or lawless, as in unchartered activity. The chart in uncharted refers to a map, but charted is not commonly used as an adjective—most people would say mapped. In contrast, both unchartered and chartered (meaning having a charter or officially authorized) are used.The two words are often used in much different contexts, but there are some cases where both could apply. For example, a remote parcel of land may be both uncharted (unmapped) and unchartered (not bound by any official charters or laws).Here’s an example of uncharted and unchartered used correctly in a sentence.Example: The movie is an adventure about a group of teens who take a secret, unchartered flight to explore an uncharted island. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between uncharted and unchartered.

Etymology

Origin of uncharted

First recorded in 1840–50; un- ¹ + chart + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Balen and the RSP will be conscious of that too, as they usher in a new era, and forge an uncharted path for Nepal.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

That surge in AI-related borrowing could take the corporate bond markets into uncharted territory, with degrees of concentration similar to those seen in equity markets over recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

"We have entered a new field of research here, uncharted territory where many exciting discoveries are likely to be made," says Varykhalov.

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

The Los Angeles trial is among a handful of bellwethers meant to clarify the uncharted legal terrain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

Or Jacey Halloran, who had already discovered an uncharted galaxy, but still couldn’t figure out how to open a combination lock.

From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• far-off
• faraway
• remote
• undiscovered
• unexplored