unchecked
/ˌʌnˈtʃekt/ (bre, ipa) · [əntʃˈɛkt] /ˌʌnˈtʃekt/ (ame, ipa) · [əntʃˈɛkt] /ˌən-ˈchekt How to pronounce unchecked (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unchecked — adjective
- uncheckedpositive
- more uncheckedcomparative
- most uncheckedsuperlative
1. describes a harmful situation, activity, or problem that keeps getting worse or
describes a harmful situation, activity, or problem that keeps getting worse or spreading because nobody tries to stop or control it
If the disease spreads unchecked, it could affect thousands of people near the city.
conditional: if + unchecked spread in present tense
The nurse warned that unchecked scratching of the rash would make the condition worse.
collocation: unchecked + [harmful action]
The manager's rude behaviour toward staff went unchecked until several employees quit.
Kofi argued that unchecked development would destroy the remaining forest in the valley.
If left unchecked, the debt could force the school to cut important programs.
- uncontrolled
more general; can describe emotions or physical processes, not necessarily harmful
- unrestrained
focuses on lack of limits; often used for power, emotions, or spending
- uncurbed
more literary or formal; emphasises that nothing has reduced the strength of something
- controlled
implies active management and limits
- curbed
suggests deliberate action to reduce or limit something harmful
文法句型
go / remain / continue + unchecked
unchecked + [harmful noun]
用法筆記
Often appears after the verbs 'go', 'remain', 'spread', or 'grow' to describe a harmful situation that is worsening. Cannot be used to describe a person directly (❌ 'an unchecked child').