unsafe
UK: ʌnˈseɪf | US: ʌnˈseɪf
adj. not safe; involving risk or danger
adj. insecure or unprotected
The word "unsafe" combines the Old English prefix "un-" (meaning "not") with the adjective "safe," derived from Latin "salvus" (whole, unharmed). "Safe" entered Middle English via Old French "sauf," retaining its core meaning of freedom from harm. The negation "un-" logically flips the meaning to indicate danger or vulnerability, reflecting a straightforward but powerful morphological construction in English.
The bridge was declared unsafe after the storm.
Leaving personal data unencrypted is unsafe.
Children should avoid playing in unsafe areas.
The chemical mixture becomes unstable and unsafe at high temperatures.
Workers protested against unsafe labor conditions.