unassisted
gb/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd/ us/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
B2
property
1
done without help
done without anyone helping you
Usage pattern:
[an unassisted person/action/attempt] (by/without [someone/something])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with similar-looking words like “unassessed” or “unadjusted.” In many contexts, “independent” is more natural than “unassisted.”
Synonyms
unaided (closest synonym; slightly more general and common in some contexts.)
|
independent (emphasizes self-reliance rather than the absence of help in a specific task.)
|
solo (informal; stresses doing something alone.)
Antonyms
assisted (done with help or support.)
|
aided (helped by someone or something.)
Collocations
unassisted living
|unassisted climb
|unassisted goal
|unassisted attempt
|unassisted birth
|unassisted operation
|unassisted movement
|unassisted recovery
|unassisted completion
|unassisted travel
Themes
daily_life
|work
|education
|sports
|health
Examples
- She completed the course unassisted and passed the final exam.
- The team made an unassisted rescue after the radio stopped working.
- After physical therapy, he could stand for a few seconds unassisted.
Learner examples
- I finished the task unassisted.
- She walked unassisted today.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
without guidance or prompts
done without hints or questions to help you
Usage pattern:
[unassisted recall/answer/response]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse “unassisted” where “without hints” or “from memory” is more natural in casual English.
Synonyms
unprompted (focuses on not being prompted to speak or respond.)
|
from memory (common phrase; emphasizes recall rather than lack of help in general.)
Antonyms
prompted (supported by hints or cues.)
|
guided (done with direction or instruction.)
Collocations
unassisted recall
|unassisted answer
|unassisted response
|unassisted decision-making
|unassisted memory
Themes
education
|communication
|psychology
Examples
- Students were asked to give an unassisted answer before discussing it in pairs.
- The interview included an unassisted recall task about the story.
- He struggled with unassisted recall but improved when given cues.
Learner examples
- Please answer unassisted.
- I tried to remember the words unassisted.
adverb
formal
B2
relation
3
without help (as an adverb)
without help
Usage pattern:
[do something] unassisted
Common mistake:
In everyday conversation, “on my own” or “by myself” may sound more natural than “unassisted.”
Synonyms
alone (more general; can also mean ‘without company,’ not just ‘without help.’)
|
independently (more about autonomy than a single task.)
|
by oneself (common everyday alternative.)
Antonyms
with help (explicitly indicates assistance is provided.)
|
with assistance (more formal opposite.)
Collocations
walk unassisted
|stand unassisted
|work unassisted
|operate unassisted
|complete it unassisted
|breathe unassisted
|live unassisted
Themes
daily_life
|work
|health
Examples
- She can now dress unassisted after the surgery.
- The drone can take off unassisted in calm conditions.
- He solved the problem unassisted, without looking anything up.
Learner examples
- I can get up unassisted.
- He did it unassisted.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unassisted
IPA
GB/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd/
US/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd/
Syllables & stress
un - as - sisted (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (sisted)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unassisted
Expressions
unassisted breathing
1/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd bɹˈiðɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
breathing without a machine
breathing without a machine
Examples
- Doctors reduced the sedation to see whether he could maintain unassisted breathing.
- She was taken off the ventilator and transitioned to unassisted breathing.
unassisted flight
1/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd flˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
technical
flight without outside assistance
flying without extra help
Examples
- The team reported that the prototype achieved unassisted flight for thirty seconds.
- Some animals can manage unassisted flight only after reaching a certain size and strength.
unassisted goal
1/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd ɡˈoʊl/
fixed phrase
goal scored without an assist
a goal scored with no assist
Examples
- She scored an unassisted goal after stealing the puck at center ice.
- The match ended 2–1, with both goals recorded as unassisted.
unassisted living
1/ˌʌnəsˈɪstɪd lˈɪvɪŋ/
fixed phrase
living without daily care help
living independently, without daily help
Examples
- After rehab, her doctor cleared her for unassisted living.
- The program supports seniors who want to stay in unassisted living for as long as possible.