unobserved

Everyday

1. Not seen or noticed by anyone. tree →
2. (science) Not yet watched or recorded. tree →

In the lessons

In stories: a character slips away unobserved, which tells the reader nobody saw. In science: an unobserved event has not been seen or measured. In safety: young children should not be left unobserved near water.

Examples

• The cat crept into the kitchen unobserved. tree →
• She left the party unobserved. tree →
• Never leave a toddler unobserved near a pool. tree →
• The rare bird had gone unobserved for many years. tree →
• The thief hoped to pass unobserved. tree →
• Scientists set up cameras so the animals were watched, not unobserved. tree →

Note

Often «go unobserved», «pass unobserved», «leave unobserved». Takes «an». Similar: unseen, unnoticed. Opposite: observed.