Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

1 ADJ If a statement or theory is unsupported , there is no evidence which proves that it is true or correct. □ [+ by ] It was a theory unsupported by evidence. □  The letters contained unsupported allegations.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unsupported person does not have anyone to provide them with money and the things they need. □  Unsupported mothers are one of the fastest-growing groups of welfare claimants.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unsupported building or person is not being physically supported or held up by anything. □  …the vast unsupported wall of the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon. □  …the child's first unsupported step.

un|sure /ʌ nʃʊə ^r /

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unsure of yourself, you lack confidence. □ [+ of ] He made her feel hot, and awkward, and unsure of herself. □  The evening show was terrible, with hesitant unsure performances from all.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are unsure about something, you feel uncertain about it. □ [+ about ] Fifty-two per cent were unsure about the idea. □ [+ of ] Scientists are becoming increasingly unsure of the validity of this technique.

un|sur|passed /ʌ nse ^r pɑː st, -pæ st/ ADJ If you describe something as unsurpassed , you are emphasizing that it is better or greater than anything else of its kind. [EMPHASIS ] □  The quality of Smallbone furniture is unsurpassed. □ [+ for ] …the Hamburg weekly, surely unsurpassed in the world for its intellectual range and quality.

un|sur|pris|ing /ʌ nsə ^r pra I z I ŋ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If something is unsurprising , you are not surprised by it because you would expect it to happen or be like it is. □  It is unsurprising that he remains so hated. □  His choice was unsurprising. ●  un|sur|pris|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  Unsurprisingly, not everyone agrees that things are better. □  The proposals were swiftly and unsurprisingly rejected by Western ministers.

un|sus|pect|ed /ʌ nsəspe kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unsuspected , you mean that people do not realize it or are not aware of it. □  A surprising number of ailments are caused by unsuspected environmental factors.

un|sus|pect|ing /ʌ nsəspe kt I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use unsuspecting to describe someone who is not at all aware of something that is happening or going to happen. □  They are charged with selling worthless junk bonds to unsuspecting depositors. □  …his unsuspecting victim.

un|sweet|ened /ʌ nswiː t ^ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unsweetened food or drink does not have any sugar or other sweet substance added to it.

un|swerv|ing /ʌnswɜː ^r v I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's attitude, feeling, or way of behaving as unswerving , you mean that it is strong and firm and does not weaken or change. □  In his diary of 1944, he proclaims unswerving loyalty to the monarchy.

un|sym|pa|thet|ic /ʌ ns I mpəθe t I k/

1 ADJ If someone is unsympathetic , they are not kind or helpful to a person in difficulties. □  Her partner was unsympathetic and she felt she had no one to turn to. □  …an unsympathetic doctor.

2 ADJ An unsympathetic person is unpleasant and difficult to like. □  …a very unsympathetic main character. □  He's unsympathetic, but charismatic and complex.

3 ADJ If you are unsympathetic to a particular idea or aim, you are not willing to support it. □ [+ to ] I'm highly unsympathetic to what you are trying to achieve.