What does unsigned mean?
Unsigned is an adjective meaning that something has not been signed. It is used most often for documents, letters, forms, contracts, and other materials that lack a handwritten or electronic signature. In legal and administrative contexts, the word can signal that formal approval is missing, although the practical significance of an unsigned document depends on the type of document and the applicable rules. In computing and mathematics, unsigned has a more specialized meaning: an unsigned integer or value has no positive or negative sign. The word is formed from the English prefix un-, meaning “not,” and signed, which comes from sign. Its use illustrates how a simple negative prefix can turn a positive description into a precise statement of absence. The related forms signature, signify, and designate share the same Latin root, signum, meaning “sign” or “mark.”
adjectiveHaving no signature or other mark of approval. In technical contexts, especially computing, it can also mean having no sign, as in an unsigned integer.
- Lacking a signature or other mark of authorization or approval.
- In computing or mathematics, lacking a positive or negative sign, especially as a type of integer or value.
"The lawyer asked the client to sign the agreement, warning that the unsigned copy would not be accepted."
"The unsigned letter was returned with a request for a handwritten signature."
"The program stores the result as an unsigned integer when negative values are not needed."
A single prefix can make all the difference: “unsigned” marks the absence of a signature, a signature, or even a mathematical sign.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unsigned come from?
Unsigned is an English formation made from un-, meaning “not,” and signed. The word signed comes from sign, which ultimately derives from the Latin signum, meaning “sign” or “mark.” The prefixed form developed through the productive use of un- to create an adjective expressing the absence of a signature, while related English words such as signature, signify, and designate retained the same Latin foundation.
How unsigned is actually used
The term is common in legal, administrative, commercial, and technical writing. It can be neutral, simply describing the absence of a signature, but it may also suggest that a document lacks formal approval or authorization.
Easily confused with unsigned
A signed document bears a signature, whereas an unsigned document has no signature or approval mark.