What does unroadworthy mean?
Unroadworthy is an adjective meaning not roadworthy: unfit, unsafe, or otherwise unsuitable for travel on public roads. It is used especially of cars, lorries, motorcycles, and railway vehicles, typically after an inspection, accident, or report of mechanical failure. Saying that a vehicle is unroadworthy is more than a general comment that it is old; it indicates that the vehicle does not meet the safety or legal conditions required for road use, although the precise standards depend on the jurisdiction. The word is relatively uncommon and has a formal, technical tone, so everyday speakers often use phrases such as not fit for the road or unsafe instead. In figurative use, it can suggest that something is unreliable or ill-suited to a difficult journey or undertaking, but its standard meaning is literal. Understanding unroadworthy requires noticing that un- reverses the meaning of roadworthy: what would ordinarily be considered fit to operate on the road is here declared unfit.
adjectiveNot roadworthy; unfit or unsafe for use on a road.
- Not roadworthy; unfit, unsafe, or otherwise unsuitable for travel on a road.
"After inspectors found corroded brakes, they declared the van unroadworthy."
"The insurer refused coverage because the truck had been declared unroadworthy."
"Only an engineer familiar with the locomotive's condition could determine whether the aging engine was unroadworthy."
A simple prefix turns “roadworthy” into a blunt verdict: not fit for the road.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unroadworthy come from?
The adjective is formed in English from the prefix un- and the compound roadworthy. Road descends from Old English rād, meaning a journey or ride, while worthy descends from Old English weorþig, meaning having worth or being worthy. The modern word therefore combines the senses of negation, road travel, and fitness or suitability.
Related word forms
How unroadworthy is actually used
Relatively uncommon and formal or technical, especially in inspections, transport regulation, insurance, and accident reporting.
Easily confused with unroadworthy
Roadworthy means fit and safe for road use, whereas unroadworthy means not fit or safe to use on the road.
Unworthy means undeserving or lacking merit, while unroadworthy specifically means unfit for road use.