What does unsexual mean?
Unsexual is an uncommon English adjective meaning “not sexual in nature, character, or effect.” It can characterize a relationship, an image, a work of art, or an interaction whose meaning does not involve sex. Its central idea is the absence of a sexual dimension, rather than sexual restraint or a particular pattern of attraction. The everyday and clearer alternative is usually nonsexual; in literary, critical, or clinical prose, unsexual can sound more pointed or formal. It should not be confused with asexual, which principally describes the absence of sexual attraction, or with unsexy, which normally describes a lack of sexual attractiveness. Although unusual, the word is useful because its negative form distinguishes a subject or relationship as nonsexual without suggesting that sexuality is restrained, implied, or likely to develop. It also avoids the broader connotations of romantic or moral language. The term derives from the English prefix un- and the Latin-derived adjective sexual, so its meaning follows a familiar English pattern of denial while retaining the specific focus of sexual on the quality being denied.
adjectiveNot sexual in nature, character, or effect; lacking a sexual dimension.
- Not sexual in nature, character, content, or effect.
"They maintained a warm but entirely unsexual friendship."
"They maintained a warm but entirely unsexual friendship."
"Rather than romanticizing the relationship, the historian treats it as unsexual and political."
The prefix does the blunt work: an unsexual friendship is not merely chaste—it has no sexual dimension at all.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unsexual come from?
The word is an English formation from the prefix un- and the adjective sexual. Its sexual element continues Latin sexualis, meaning “of or pertaining to sex” and ultimately based on Latin sexus.
Related word forms
How unsexual is actually used
Rare and somewhat formal, literary, or clinical; nonsexual is more usual in ordinary speech.
Easily confused with unsexual
Unsexy means lacking sexual attractiveness or allure, whereas unsexual means lacking a sexual character, content, or dimension.