What does unredressed mean?
Unredressed is an adjective with two related meanings. Its dominant meaning is 'not dressed': a person or thing that is unredressed is naked, unclothed, or lacking the clothing normally worn. This sense is often used in descriptions of victims, accidents, emergencies, or artistic performances. More formally, unredressed can also mean 'not redressed,' indicating that an injury, complaint, injustice, or other problem has not been compensated, remedied, or put right. The phrase 'unredressed wounds' is especially associated with this figurative and literal usage. Unredressed is formed from the productive prefix un- and the word redress. It is related in meaning and origin to redress, undress, dresser, and dressing, although its usual modern sense is not simply the opposite of redress in every context.
adjectiveNot dressed, especially not wearing clothes; naked or unclothed. It can also mean not redressed: not compensated, remedied, or put right.
- Not dressed; naked or unclothed.
- Not redressed; not compensated, remedied, or put right.
"The witnesses described the victims as unredressed and in considerable distress."
"The actor appeared unredressed on stage during the final scene."
"The report says that several complaints remain unredressed despite years of investigation."
Unredressed can mean more than simply naked: it can also describe a complaint or injury that has remained unredressed, or not put right.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of unredressed
Unredressed was formed in English by adding the Latin-derived prefix un-, meaning 'not,' to redress. Redress comes through Old French redresser and means to remedy, compensate, or set right; in the clothing sense, it belongs to the same root as dress and undress. The prefix un- also provides the familiar sense 'not dressed' in the word's most common modern usage.
How unredressed is actually used
The primary sense is fairly uncommon in modern general use and can sound blunt or emotionally charged. The sense meaning 'not compensated or remedied' is more formal and is often used in legal, political, or historical contexts.
Easily confused with unredressed
Unredressed primarily means not wearing clothes, while undressed more often describes the act of removing or not putting on clothing.