unfastened
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ʌnˈfæstənd//
KK: /ʌnˈfæstənd/
adjective
Definition
Not secured or attached; loose.
Example
The unfastened strap caused the bag to fall off his shoulder.
Conversation
Did you notice that my backpack is unfastened?
Yeah, I saw it. You should be careful with that.
I know, I just forgot to close it after class.
No worries, just make sure to check it next time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
loose
free
unsecured
Antonyms
tight
secure
fastened
verb
Definition
To release or open something that was secured or fastened.
Example
She unfastened her seatbelt as soon as the car stopped.
Tense Forms
Past: unfastened
Past Participle: unfastened
Conversation
Did you notice that my jacket was unfastened during the meeting?
Yeah, I thought it looked a bit loose on you.
I should have checked before I walked in.
Root Explanation
Unfastened → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "fasten" (from Old French *faster*, meaning to make fast or secure). The word "unfastened" means not secured or released from being fastened.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') being applied to 'secure' ('fasten') — that's why unfastened means something is not secured.
Visually Confused Words
unhastened
unflattened
unchastened
unfeasted
unsoftened
unpatented
unmastered
unlistened