Definition

Not monitored or controlled by authorities, leading to a lack of regulation or oversight.

Example

The area became unpoliced after the local government cut funding for law enforcement.

Conversation

I heard that part of the city is completely unpoliced at night.

Really? That sounds pretty dangerous to me.

Yeah, I wouldn't want to walk around there after dark.

Same here! It’s unsettling to think about places being unpoliced.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unpoliced → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "policed" (from the verb "police", which originates from the Latin "politia", meaning public order or administration). The word "unpoliced" means not maintained or enforced by police, indicating a lack of law enforcement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'public order' ('politia') enforced — that's why unpoliced means there is no police presence to maintain order.

Visually Confused Words