What does unbraked mean?
Unbraked describes something moving or acting without the restraint supplied by brakes. In its literal sense, it usually refers to a vehicle, cart, train, or other machine whose brakes are not being applied; it does not necessarily mean that the machine has no brakes. An unbraked vehicle can therefore still be equipped with brakes, while its driver, operator, or mechanical system allows it to continue moving. The adjective also has a figurative use for growth, development, inflation, or change that is not being restrained. In these contexts, unbraked often conveys a lack of control and a sense of speed or danger. Although the word can describe a dangerous situation, it is neither obscure nor limited to one region: British and American English use it in both literal and figurative senses. Its value lies in making clear that the brake is present but not doing its job of slowing or stopping something.
adjectiveNot slowed, stopped, or controlled by the application of brakes. By extension, not restrained or checked in its development or movement.
- Not slowed, stopped, or controlled by brakes.
- Not restrained or checked, especially in growth, development, or movement.
"The runaway cart rolled unbraked down the steep hill."
"The driver allowed the truck to roll unbraked toward the river."
"With no limits on credit, the economy began to grow unbraked."
An unbraked descent has only one brake: the ground.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unbraked come from?
The adjective was formed in the 19th century by combining the negative prefix un- with braked, the past participle of brake. Brake belongs to a Germanic and Dutch etymological family associated with the idea of checking or breaking motion and is related in origin to break. Later derivatives such as brakeless and the compound brakeman developed within the same English word family.
Related word forms
How unbraked is actually used
Standard in British and American English and neutral in register. Figurative uses often suggest unchecked, potentially dangerous momentum.
Easily confused with unbraked
Brakeless means that a vehicle has no brakes installed, whereas unbraked can describe a vehicle whose brakes are not being applied.