unmarked

American  

[uhn-mahrkt] / ʌnˈmɑrkt /

adjective

1. not marked.

2. Linguistics.

   1. characterized by the absence of a distinctive phonological feature, as (p), which, in contrast to (b), lacks the distinctive feature of voicing.

   2. characterized by the absence of a grammatical marker, as the singular in English in contrast to the plural, which is typically marked by an -s ending.

   3. neutral with regard to an element of meaning specified by a semantically related item.

   4. occurring more typically than an alternative form.

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unmarked British  

/ ʌnˈmɑːkt /

adjective

1. not carrying a mark or marks

   an unmarked police car

2. not noticed or observed

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Etymology

Origin of unmarked

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at un- ¹, marked

Example Sentences

It’s not uncommon for ICE agents to use unmarked cars and wear masks as they attempt arrests, and advocacy groups say the tactic means people often aren’t aware that it’s federal agents detaining them.

From Salon • Jul. 9, 2026

Four minutes later, Cucurella sent a pass to Oyarzabal, who was left unmarked because David Alaba had left a large gap between himself and the forward.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

This resulted in both John Stones and Dan Burn getting unmarked headers towards goal on two different occasions against New Zealand.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Europe, where governments have toughened their policies under pressure from the far right, "cannot claim to uphold human dignity while growing accustomed to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic becoming unmarked graves", he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

A patch of Dauntless flames covers his right side, but other than that, his chest is unmarked.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth