unsigned

IPA/ˌʌnˈsaɪnd/
KK[ənsˈaɪnd]IPA/ˌʌnˈsaɪnd/

unsigned — adjective

  • unsignedpositive
  • more unsignedcomparative
  • most unsignedsuperlative

1. describes a document, letter, painting, or other piece of work that does not sho

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes a document, letter, painting, or other piece of work that does not show the name of the person who produced it

Example

A box of unsigned Valentine's cards was found in the attic of the old house.

collocation: unsigned Valentine's cards / unsigned letters

The museum received a donation of several unsigned paintings by unknown local artists.

attributive use before noun

Common collocations
  • unsigned letter
  • unsigned painting
  • unsigned document
  • unsigned cheque
  • unsigned note
  • unsigned agreement
  • unsigned contract
  • unsigned will
Synonyms
  • anonymous

    focuses on the creator's identity being unknown rather than the physical absence of a signature

  • unattributed

    more formal; often used in academic or publishing contexts for works whose source is not credited

  • unmarked

    broader meaning; can refer to the absence of any identifying mark, not just a signature

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

unsigned + noun

be + unsigned

Usage Note

Often used attributively (before a noun). Common in descriptions of historical documents, artwork, or anonymous correspondence where the creator's signature is physically missing.

Common Mistakes

The painting was anonymous.
The painting was unsigned.
'anonymous' means the creator's identity is unknown; 'unsigned' specifically means no signature is present on the item itself.

2. describes a person, such as a musician, athlete, or freelancer, who works or per

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a person, such as a musician, athlete, or freelancer, who works or performs without having signed a formal legal agreement with an employer, company, or team

Example

Wren spent the summer as an unsigned player, hoping a professional team would notice her.

collocation: unsigned player

Many unsigned musicians now use online platforms to share their songs with the world.

collocation: unsigned musicians

Common collocations
  • unsigned player
  • unsigned musician
  • unsigned artist
  • unsigned rookie
  • unsigned freelancer
  • unsigned performer
  • unsigned talent
  • unsigned band
Synonyms
  • independent

    broader term; emphasises self-managed status rather than the absence of a contract

  • freelance

    focuses on working for multiple clients without a long-term contract, not necessarily implying the absence of any contract at all

Antonyms
  • signed

    having a valid contract with an employer, team, or company

  • contracted

    bound by a legal agreement

Grammar Patterns

unsigned + noun (person or role)

Usage Note

Common in sports journalism and the music industry. An 'unsigned player' or 'unsigned artist' has not yet signed a formal contract but may still be active and earning income through other arrangements.

Common Mistakes

He is an unemployed musician playing local shows.
He is an unsigned musician playing local shows.
'unemployed' means having no job at all; 'unsigned' means having no contract but still working independently.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe the absence of identifying information, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Unsigned' is the most concrete term: it refers specifically to the physical or digital absence of a signature on a document, letter, or artwork. 'Anonymous' is broader — it means the creator's name is unknown, whether or not a signature was ever present (e.g., an anonymous donation may come with a letter that is signed 'A Friend'). 'Unattributed' is more formal and common in academic or publishing contexts, referring to a quotation, idea, or work whose source is not credited. 'Unmarked' is the broadest of the four and can refer to any item lacking an identifying sign or label, not just textual or artistic works — for example, an unmarked police car or an unmarked grave. In everyday contexts, use 'unsigned' for documents and artwork, 'anonymous' when the creator's identity is deliberately hidden, 'unattributed' in formal or scholarly writing, and 'unmarked' for objects without any label at all.

unsigned ↗anonymous ↗unattributed ↗unmarked ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • remain unsigned

Phrases

  • leave something unsigned
  • go unsigned
  • still unsigned

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed in English by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to 'signed', the past participle of 'sign'. The verb 'sign' comes from the Latin 'signare' (to mark with a sign), which in turn derives from 'signum' (a mark, token, or sign). The sense of an athlete or musician 'unsigned' (not bound by a contract) emerged in the late 20th century, particularly in sports and entertainment journalism.