unpowered

adjective

un·​pow·​ered ˌən-ˈpau̇(-ə)rd How to pronounce unpowered (audio)
: not powered (as by an engine)
unpowered flight
an unpowered descent
Motorized reel mowers are expensive … . Simpler and better is the unpowered model, lighter by many pounds than the cast-iron prewar machine.—Eleanor Perenyi

Examples of unpowered in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yeager's historic flight followed a series of unpowered glide tests, incuding three by Yeager himself in August of 1947, followed by ever faster subsonic powered flights. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The simplest distinction is powered flight versus unpowered glide. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026 During these sleep periods, New Horizons remains in a largely unpowered but stable mode, while its flight computer keeps close tabs on the spacecraft’s condition and sends back a weekly beacon to flight controllers. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 The booster accelerates it to high altitudes and extreme speeds before separating, allowing the unpowered glide body to descend. — David Szondy june 26, New Atlas, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpowered

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpowered was in 1892

Rhymes for unpowered

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Browse Nearby Words

unpowdered
unpowered
unpracticable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpowered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpowered. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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