unchecked

Everyday

1. Unchecked means not controlled or stopped, so it can grow or spread: the fire spread unchecked. tree →
2. Unchecked also means not looked over or tested: unchecked homework. tree →
3. An unchecked box is a box with no tick in it. tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety, a disease or fire left unchecked becomes dangerous. In school, unchecked work may have mistakes. On computers, an unchecked box means the option is off. Phrases: go unchecked, left unchecked, spread unchecked.

Examples

• The weeds grew unchecked in the empty garden. tree →
• If left unchecked, the infection can spread. tree →
• The fire burned unchecked for hours. tree →
• Don't hand in your work unchecked. tree →
• Leave the box unchecked if you don't want emails. tree →
• His bad temper went unchecked. tree →

Note

Prefix un- + checked. Often after «go» or «left»: went unchecked. A check mark (US) is a tick (UK).