What does unweighted mean?
Unweighted describes something that has not been weighed or has been treated without assigning different values or levels of importance. In a statistical calculation, an unweighted average gives every observation equal influence, regardless of factors such as population size or frequency. In graph theory, an unweighted graph records connections between vertices without assigning numerical weights to its edges. The word can also be used more generally to describe a decision or consideration that has not been given additional importance, although this figurative use is less common. Its value lies in making explicit a principle of equal treatment: what is being measured or connected matters, but no competing factor changes the result. Unweighted is readily distinguished from unbalanced, which suggests that something is unequal or unstable rather than merely lacking an assigned weight.
adjectiveNot weighed or not assigned a weight. In figurative and technical contexts, it can mean lacking balancing importance or without numerical weighting applied.
- Not weighed or lacking an assigned weight.
- Without weighting in a calculation or evaluation, especially when all values are intended to contribute equally.
- In graph theory, having no numerical weights assigned to its edges or vertices.
"The committee used an unweighted average so that each proposal would count equally."
"The survey calculated an unweighted score for each participant before applying demographic adjustments."
"The software represented the network as an unweighted graph, showing only which members are connected."
In an unweighted graph, every connection is treated alike—but in real life, relationships rarely are.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unweighted come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the prefix un- to weighted, meaning “provided with weight” or “weighed.” Both weighted and weight are related to weigh, an Old English verb meaning to determine weight. The prefix un- has long been used in English to form opposites, so unweighted literally means “not weighted.”
How unweighted is actually used
The word is formal and technical in most modern use. In statistics, an unweighted average gives each observation equal importance; in graph theory, an unweighted graph records connections without assigning numerical values to them. It should not be confused with unbalanced, which describes a lack of symmetry or stability.
Easily confused with unweighted
Unweighted means that no weight has been assigned or applied, whereas unbalanced means unequal, uneven, or disturbed in balance.