Synonyms for

Unsafe

Verb / ʌˈnseɪf / Another word for unsafe — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not safe; dangerous

Synonyms & similar words

dangerous safe insecure secure risky hazardous perilous treacherous insecure unprotected vulnerable jeopardous threatening critical unsound unstable precarious dodgy shaky uncertain unpredictable unreliable untrustworthy harmful

Synonyms by register

Formal

hazardous perilous precarious dangerous

Informal

risky dodgy sketchy iffy

Literary

treacherous dire ominous

Antonyms

safe secure protected sound harmless stable reliable

Common collocations

  • unsafe conditions
  • unsafe practices
  • unsafe environment
  • unsafe behavior
  • unsafe area
  • unsafe to drink
  • unsafe for work

Word family

noun unsafety
adverb unsafely

Usage note

While 'unsafe' is a common and direct antonym for 'safe', more formal contexts might prefer 'hazardous' or 'perilous'. 'Dodgy' and 'sketchy' are informal and often imply a lack of trustworthiness or reliability in addition to danger.

Example sentences

  1. Walking alone at night is unsafe.
  2. It is unsafe to touch a hot stove.
  3. Not wearing a helmet while riding a bike is unsafe.
  4. Swimming in a river with strong currents is unsafe.
  5. Driving under the influence of alcohol is unsafe.

Quotes

  • Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless. Don’t wait for an accident to happen before you take safety seriously.
  • Make safety a priority. Remember, safety starts with you.
  • Safety is not an option. It’s a requirement.

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