unlit

/ˌʌnˈlɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈlɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈlit/ (ame, mw)

unlit — adjective

  • unlitpositive
  • more unlitcomparative
  • most unlitsuperlative

1. Not yet set on fire or producing a flame — used mainly for things designed to bu

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Not yet set on fire or producing a flame — used mainly for things designed to burn, such as candles, cigarettes, or firewood.

例句

A single unlit cigarette rested between Ravi's fingers as he waited for the bus.

attributive use: unlit + noun (cigarette)

Theo carried an unlit torch through the cave entrance, hoping not to need it.

attributive use: unlit + noun (torch)

同義詞
  • unlighted

    less common variant with the same meaning

  • unused

    broader — can mean 'not used at all', not specifically 'not set on fire'

反義詞
  • lit

    the direct opposite

  • burning

    actively on fire rather than simply having been lit

文法句型

unlit + noun (attributive)

be / remain / stay + unlit (predicative)

用法筆記

Most common with objects that are intended to be set alight — candles, cigarettes, matches, torches, fireworks, and firewood. Not used for living things or abstract concepts.

常見錯誤

❌He held an unlit cigarette and an unlit face.
✅He held an unlit cigarette and looked unhappy.
💡'unlit' is not used to describe a person's expression or mood.

2. Describes a space where no lights are turned on, or where lighting is completely

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Describes a space where no lights are turned on, or where lighting is completely absent.

例句

Kofi walked carefully down the unlit corridor, using his phone as a guide.

attributive use: unlit + noun (corridor)

The unlit street felt much safer after a neighbour installed a new lamp.

attributive use: unlit + noun (street)

同義詞
  • dark

    more common; can imply frightening or negative connotation

  • unlighted

    less common variant

  • dim

    means faint light, not complete darkness

反義詞
  • lit

    the direct opposite — lights are on or the space is illuminated

  • bright

    full of light, well illuminated

  • illuminated

    formally or decoratively lit

文法句型

unlit + noun (attributive)

be + completely / largely + unlit (predicative)

用法筆記

Commonly used with indoor or outdoor spaces that would normally have lighting — rooms, corridors, streets, stairwells, basements. The word is neutral in tone; it simply states the absence of light without implying danger or fear (though context may add that).

常見錯誤

❌The room was unlit because the candle was unlit.
✅The room was dark because the candle was unlit.
💡'unlit' for a space means 'no lights on', not simply 'lacking flame'.