What does unsworn mean?
The adjective unsworn means not having taken an oath, with its most familiar use occurring in legal language. Unsworn testimony, evidence, or statements are given without the speaker swearing to tell the truth under oath. In a broader, less frequent sense, the word can describe a person who has not become formally bound by an oath of allegiance, office, secrecy, or membership. The distinction can have practical legal importance because oath-taking establishes an obligation to be truthful and subjects the speaker to legal consequences for perjury. Consequently, “unsworn” should not be treated as merely another word for “casual” or “unofficial.” The term is formal, and its usage is particularly common in proceedings and official documents, although related expressions appear in general English. Recognising it helps readers appreciate a precise and sometimes consequential distinction between statements made under oath and those made without it.
adjectiveNot having taken an oath, especially when giving testimony or making a formal statement. It can also mean not formally bound or committed by an oath.
- Not having taken an oath or having given testimony without an oath.
- Not formally bound or committed by an oath, such as an oath of allegiance, office, or secrecy.
"The witness was permitted to provide an unsworn statement, but it carried less weight than sworn testimony."
"The court considered the unsworn evidence before deciding whether additional testimony was necessary."
"Despite remaining unsworn to the organization, he remained a loyal supporter."
In a courtroom, the word unsworn raises an immediate question: were those words given under oath?
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unsworn come from?
Unsworn was formed in the early 17th century from the prefix un-, meaning “not,” and the past participle sworn. It belongs to the English verb swear, whose related forms include swore and sworn. The word developed alongside the legal practice of administering oaths to witnesses and officials.
How unsworn is actually used
Chiefly formal and especially associated with legal, governmental, or ceremonial contexts. It is not simply an interchangeable way of saying informal, unofficial, or unreliable.
Easily confused with unsworn
Unsworn means not bound by an oath, whereas unworn means not worn out, worn away, or previously used.