adjective

unleaded

uhn-LED-id

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Unleaded (adjective) means not containing lead, especially describing petrol made without added lead compounds. Example: “The old car needed unleaded petrol, not the leaded kind.”

adjective

Not containing lead, especially describing petrol made without added lead compounds.

"The old car needed unleaded petrol, not the leaded kind."

"Most filling stations now sell only unleaded fuel."

"She checked the pump was set to unleaded before filling up."

noun

Petrol that does not contain added lead compounds.

"He filled the tank with unleaded."

"Unleaded is cheaper than the premium grade this month."

"The pump only offers unleaded and diesel."

How to use unleaded

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPetrol, or occasionally another product, that has no lead added to it.

When to use it

A standard, everyday term used at petrol stations and in official fuel labelling.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the second syllable, so it sounds like un-LED-id rather than UN-lead-ed.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

unleaded petrol unleaded fuel regular unleaded premium unleaded

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “unleaded” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old car needed _____ petrol, not the leaded kind.

Etymology

Formed in English by adding the prefix un- to leaded, giving the sense of petrol or other substances made without lead. In the United States the word also carries a precise technical meaning, since a federal standard defines exactly how much lead unleaded petrol is allowed to contain.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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lead-free leadless

Antonyms

leaded

Rhymes for unleaded

jaded faded loaded headed shaded graded dreaded uploaded degraded threaded beheaded upgraded

See all rhymes for unleaded →

Frequently asked questions

What does unleaded mean?

It describes something, usually petrol, that has no lead added to it. Leaded petrol used to contain lead compounds to help engines run smoothly, and unleaded petrol was developed without them.

Is unleaded petrol the same as regular petrol?

Yes, in most countries today regular petrol sold at the pump is unleaded, since leaded petrol for ordinary cars has been phased out.

Can I use unleaded petrol in any car?

Modern petrol engines are designed for unleaded fuel, but it is always worth checking a vehicle's handbook, especially for older or classic cars.

What is the meaning of unleaded?

"unleaded" (adjective) means not containing lead, especially describing petrol made without added lead compounds.