unmarked

[uhn-mahrkt]

adjective

1. not marked.

2. Linguistics.

   1. characterized by the absence of a distinctive phonological feature, as (p), which, in contrast to (b), lacks the distinctive feature of voicing.

   2. characterized by the absence of a grammatical marker, as the singular in English in contrast to the plural, which is typically marked marked mark by an -s ending.

   3. neutral with regard to an element of meaning specified by a semantically related item.

   4. occurring more typically than an alternative form.

unmarked

/ ʌnˈmɑːkt /

adjective

1. not carrying a mark or marks

   an unmarked police car

2. not noticed or observed

Word History and Origins

Origin of unmarked¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; un- ¹, marked

Example Sentences

The agents often wore masks and used unmarked vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

Both men are walked to an unmarked car and driven away, while the woman filming shouts in Spanish: "They are fighting for their lives… They broke the windows, don't go out, don't go out."

From BBC

The question comes as immigration agents have carried out raids using face coverings, unmarked cars and while wearing casual clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

Dylan Hood ploughed into an unmarked police vehicle as officers were dealing with another driver they had stopped on the M8 eastbound in Glasgow on 24 July 2024.

From BBC

The scene is based on a photo captured after a paletero was taken by masked men in unmarked vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times