Unstapled

The adjective 'unstapled' describes something that has had staples removed, or was never secured with staples in the first place. It signifies a state of being unbound or loose, specifically referring to the absence of metal fasteners that hold sheets of paper, fabric, or other materials together. This can describe a document with pages that are no longer attached, a flyer that's come apart, or an item of clothing where seams once held together with staples are now separated. The implication is a lack of structural integrity or a state of disarray, often indicating neglect, damage, or intentional separation.

Unstapled meaning with examples

• The report, unfortunately, was returned to the editor unstapled, with the cover and several pages strewn on the floor. It was difficult to determine the correct order without the securing metal. The lack of binding suggested careless handling and rendered it far less convenient to read and analyze the data within, causing much disappointment to the project team.
• She found the antique photograph in the attic unstapled, a single piece amongst a pile of paper. Years of storage had caused the edges to fray and the image to fade. The loose condition made preservation a challenge, as each time it was handled, the risk of loss or damage to the delicate paper increased greatly despite all possible precautions.
• After the incident, the pamphlets promoting the festival were left out in the rain and became unstapled. This meant the pages fell apart, leaving passersby to pick through the debris and rendering the material difficult and unappealing to read, greatly lessening its impact. It made it more challenging to disseminate important information about the event.
• The tailor examined the vintage dress and found the hem unstapled, a sign of either age-related degradation of the fixings, or perhaps an attempt at an alteration. He advised his customer to be careful when handling it and made a decision about whether to repair it in order to preserve the garment's integrity.