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unsigned

A2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌnsˈaɪnd/

US

  • /ənˈsaɪnd/

Description

"Unsigned" means lacking a signature. Think of a letter arriving in the mail with no name at the bottom, or an artwork where the artist hasn't left their mark. It often suggests that something is incomplete, unofficial, or perhaps anonymous. A contract that is unsigned is usually not final or legally valid.

In the digital world, "unsigned" often refers to data types in programming: numbers that cannot be negative. More broadly, it suggests a lack of official approval or confirmation. An unsigned petition may not be taken as seriously as one filled with names. Think of it like a promise that has not been sealed with a name.

Examples

  1. 1

    Delivery form

    The delivery form was unsigned, so the package could not be processed.

  2. 2

    Anonymous letter

    She received an unsigned letter with no return address.

  3. 3

    Legal agreement

    The agreement is still unsigned because their lawyers are reviewing the final version.

  4. 4

    Music contract

    At that time, the band was still unsigned and booking its own shows.

    • Domain

      in music, an unsigned band

      a band without a record-company contract

  5. 5

    Computer numbers

    In this system, age is stored as an unsigned number, so it cannot be negative.

    • Domain

      in computing, an unsigned number

      a number type that does not allow negative values

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unsignedadjective