The adjective 'unwatched' describes something or someone that is not being observed, supervised, or guarded. This implies a lack of oversight or monitoring. It can refer to physical spaces, objects, or individuals. The state of being unwatched often suggests a potential for vulnerability or a lack of control, as actions, activities, or changes may occur unnoticed. The degree of this vulnerability depends on the context. It can range from a minor risk of something being misplaced to a significant hazard such as danger or damage. The term emphasizes a condition of freedom from external observation, which carries both potential benefits (privacy) and drawbacks (increased risk).
Unwatched meaning with examples
- The unattended picnic basket on the beach, unwatched, was quickly raided by seagulls. They tore through the sandwiches, oblivious to any potential consequences. Its unwatched state allowed for a moment of freedom and opportunity for the opportunistic birds. There wasn't anyone near who might shoo them away.
- The child, left unwatched in the crowded supermarket, began to wander aimlessly. His parents had briefly looked away, but that was all it took for him to separate. This potentially dangerous circumstance occurred because he was momentarily unwatched, highlighting the importance of constant supervision.
- The ancient artifact, surprisingly, was left unwatched overnight in the museum. The lack of security precautions made it an easy target for potential thieves. Its unwatched situation meant that someone could steal the valuable object easily without anyone finding out, due to a lack of security.
- The software code, unwatched and untested after release, proved to have several critical security vulnerabilities. Hackers took advantage of this, easily exploiting the defects. The fact that it had been left unwatched after deployment meant that it became quickly compromised.