adjective
unprovoked
uhnp-ruh-VOHKT
Unprovoked (adjective) means happening without any prior action to cause it. Example: “Witnesses said the attack was completely unprovoked.”
adjective
1
Happening without any prior action to cause it.
"Witnesses said the attack was completely unprovoked."
How to use unprovoked
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone for no reason — nothing prompted it.
Common pairings
unprovoked attack
entirely unprovoked
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unprovoked
- Superlative
- most unprovoked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Witnesses said the attack was completely _____.
Etymology
From un- + provoked.
Synonyms
View more →
wanton
motiveless
Related words
Rhymes for unprovoked
See all rhymes for unprovoked →Frequently asked questions
What does “unprovoked” mean?
The word “unprovoked” means happening without any prior action to cause it. In plain terms, done for no reason — nothing prompted it.
How do you pronounce “unprovoked”?
“Unprovoked” is pronounced uhnp-ruh-VOHKT (/ˌʌnpɹəˈvoʊkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “unprovoked” in a sentence?
Here is “unprovoked” used in a sentence: “Witnesses said the attack was completely unprovoked.”
What part of speech is “unprovoked”?
“Unprovoked” is an adjective.
