unsigned
unsigned — adjective
1. describes a document, letter, painting, or other piece of work that does not sho
describes a document, letter, painting, or other piece of work that does not show the name of the person who produced it
A box of unsigned Valentine's cards was found in the attic of the old house.
collocation: unsigned Valentine's cards / unsigned letters
The museum received a donation of several unsigned paintings by unknown local artists.
attributive use before noun
Naoko saw that the letter was unsigned and could not tell who had sent it.
An unsigned cheque is not valid at most banks, even for small amounts of money.
The reporter received an unsigned note warning her to stay away from the case.
- anonymous
focuses on the creator's identity being unknown rather than the physical absence of a signature
- unattributed
more formal; often used in academic or publishing contexts for works whose source is not credited
- unmarked
broader meaning; can refer to the absence of any identifying mark, not just a signature
- signed
bearing a signature
文法句型
unsigned + noun
be + unsigned
用法筆記
Often used attributively (before a noun). Common in descriptions of historical documents, artwork, or anonymous correspondence where the creator's signature is physically missing.
常見錯誤
2. describes a person, such as a musician, athlete, or freelancer, who works or per
describes a person, such as a musician, athlete, or freelancer, who works or performs without having signed a formal legal agreement with an employer, company, or team
Wren spent the summer as an unsigned player, hoping a professional team would notice her.
collocation: unsigned player
Many unsigned musicians now use online platforms to share their songs with the world.
collocation: unsigned musicians
The basketball team signed three new players but has two unsigned rookies on its roster.
Nikhil worked as an unsigned freelancer for two years before joining a large design firm.
- independent
broader term; emphasises self-managed status rather than the absence of a contract
- freelance
focuses on working for multiple clients without a long-term contract, not necessarily implying the absence of any contract at all
- signed
having a valid contract with an employer, team, or company
- contracted
bound by a legal agreement
文法句型
unsigned + noun (person or role)
用法筆記
Common in sports journalism and the music industry. An 'unsigned player' or 'unsigned artist' has not yet signed a formal contract but may still be active and earning income through other arrangements.