What does undocked mean?
Undocked means separated from a dock, a berth, a docked vessel, or another object that would normally be connected to it. The word is especially common in maritime and spaceflight contexts: an undocked vessel has left its berth or quay, while an undocked spacecraft is no longer joined to a space station, docking module, or other craft. As the past tense or past participle of “undock,” it can also describe the action of leaving or being disconnected from a docking position. The adjective is more frequent in modern usage than the finite verb, which often appears in forms such as “the spacecraft undocked.” In broader, metaphorical writing, “undocked” can suggest separation, detachment, or the loss of a normal connection, but its literal nautical and technological senses remain its established uses. The word is useful because it names the precise state that reverses docking and expresses whether a vessel or craft has become independently mobile or operational.
Not connected to a dock, docked vessel, spacecraft, or docking system.
"The supply ship was undocked for several hours while undergoing repairs."
This is the most common modern use and is especially frequent in nautical and spaceflight contexts.
To move away from a dock or docked craft, or to become disconnected from a docking position.
"At 09:20, the supply ship undocked and moved slowly toward the station."
Usually used in the past tense or as the past participle; chiefly nautical and technical.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does undocked come from?
Undocked is formed from the prefix un-, meaning “not” or the reversal of an action, and dock. Dock has an Old English ancestor in doc and developed its nautical sense through Middle English. The compound came to denote moving away from or becoming disconnected from a docked position, as well as the resulting state of separation.
Related word forms
How undocked is actually used
Chiefly nautical, aerospace, and technical usage; the adjective is more frequent than the finite verb. In broader figurative use, it can mean detached from a person, group, or system, often with an implication of disruption or lost support.
Easily confused with undocked
Unlocked means released from a lock or made accessible, whereas undocked means separated from a dock or docking connection.