What does unmetered mean?
Unmetered means that something is not subject to a meter, measured limit, quota, or per-unit charge. The word is especially common for utilities and services: an apartment may include unmetered water, electricity, internet access, or parking, meaning that the provider does not calculate charges according to a meter or usage quota. This does not necessarily mean that the service is free; it may simply mean that it is billed differently or included in another charge. In literary and cultural contexts, unmetered describes poetry or prose that lacks a regular metrical rhythm. The adjective is therefore useful for distinguishing the absence of a specific measuring or limiting mechanism from a more general idea of being unrestricted or unmeasured.
adjectiveNot subject to a measured limit, quota, or per-unit charge; often supplied or accessed without a meter. In literary contexts, it means lacking regular metrical rhythm.
- Not subject to a meter, usage limit, quota, or per-unit charge.
- Lacking regular metrical rhythm, especially in poetry or prose.
"The apartment includes unmetered water, so there is no bill for usage."
"The office provides unmetered internet access for all employees."
"The essay is compelling, but its unmetered prose loses some of the force of formal verse."
Unmetered does not always mean free: it may mean that usage is simply not charged according to a meter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unmetered come from?
Unmetered was formed in English by combining the prefix un- with metered, the past participle of meter. The word meter has roots in Middle English and Old French forms of the word, which ultimately come from Latin metrum and Greek metron, meaning “measure.” The same linguistic roots underlie words such as metric, metrical, metrology, and metre.
How unmetered is actually used
The word is most common in practical contexts involving utilities, internet access, parking, or other services that might otherwise be metered. It does not necessarily imply that a service is free. Its literary use refers to writing that lacks a regular metrical pattern.
Easily confused with unmetered
Unmeasured means not having been quantitatively assessed, whereas unmetered specifically means not subject to a meter, usage limit, or metrical rhythm.