unlocked
not secured with a lock
Not closed with a lock, so you can open it without a key or code.
[something] is left unlocked
- We always leave the back door unlocked while we are in the garden.
- The office was broken into because a window had been left unlocked.
- I checked that the bike was not unlocked before we went inside.
- The hotel room was unlocked when we arrived, which made us nervous.
- He realized his car was still unlocked and ran back to secure it.
- The door is unlocked, so you can come in.
- She left her bike unlocked in front of the store.
- Is the front gate unlocked or do you need a key?
- Please do not leave the car unlocked in this area.
- The house was unlocked when they got home.
opened something that was locked
Past form of 'unlock': to open something that has a lock, usually with a key or code.
[someone] unlocked [something]
- She unlocked the front door and stepped quietly into the house.
- He unlocked his bike from the rail and rode away.
- The manager unlocked the safe to count the cash.
- The technician unlocked the control panel to check the wiring.
- They unlocked the gate to let the delivery truck in.
- He unlocked the door with his key.
- The guard unlocked the gate at eight o'clock.
- She unlocked her car and got in.
- I unlocked the window to get some fresh air.
- The teacher unlocked the classroom for the students.
available or accessible, not restricted
Now open or free to use after it was blocked or not allowed before, often for online things, game features, or chances in life.
[content / feature / potential] is unlocked
- Premium videos become unlocked after you subscribe to the service.
- The extra characters are unlocked once you complete the main game.
- Employees now have unlocked access to the full data set.
- The course includes unlocked lessons that you can take in any order.
- Her talent really became unlocked when she found a supportive mentor.
- These bonus levels are unlocked after level ten.
- The unlocked videos are free for all users.
- Your full account is unlocked when you pay.
- New tools will be unlocked as you learn more.
- His ideas were unlocked when he joined the new team.
device not tied to a carrier
Used about a phone when it can work with SIM cards from many companies, not just one phone company.
[someone] buys an unlocked [phone/device]
- I bought an unlocked phone so I can use a local SIM card when I travel.
- Unlocked devices usually cost more up front but give you more freedom.
- The ad says the smartphone is factory unlocked and compatible with all major carriers.
- He prefers unlocked phones because he changes providers often.
- Make sure the phone is unlocked before you switch to a new network.
- This is an unlocked phone, so it works in many countries.
- I want an unlocked smartphone without a long contract.
- She sold her old unlocked phone online.
- An unlocked device lets you choose your mobile company.
- They only use unlocked phones for their staff.
- Base: unlocked
- Comparative: unlockeder
- Superlative: unlockedest
- Base: unlocked
- 3rd Person Singular: unlockeds
- Present Participle: unlockeding
- Past: unlockeded
- Past Participle: unlockeded
unlocked content
1content now accessible or free
Online videos, articles, or other media that were blocked or private before but are now open to view or use.
- Subscribers get access to all unlocked content on the platform.
- The game shows a list of unlocked content after you finish each level.
- Teachers can share unlocked content with students who miss class.
unlocked phone
1phone not tied to one carrier
A mobile phone you can use with SIM cards from different phone companies, not just one.
- Buying an unlocked phone lets you choose a cheaper plan.
- I always travel with an unlocked phone so I can use local SIM cards.
- The store is having a sale on unlocked phones this weekend.
unlocked potential
1potential that has been realized
Abilities or chances that were hidden or not used before but are now active or visible.
- The training program unlocked potential in many young leaders.
- Good coaching unlocked his potential as a writer.
- New tools have unlocked potential for growth in small businesses.