Tarkistamaton

Tarkistamaton is a Finnish adjective meaning not checked or unverified. It is used to describe information, data, claims, or processes that have not undergone verification or validation. The term conveys a lack of confirmation or reliability associated with the described item.

Etymology and form: tarkistamaton is formed from the verb tarkistaa, meaning to check, with the negative suffix -maton. It behaves like a regular Finnish adjective and can modify nouns in different cases and numbers, for example tarkistamaton tieto (unverified information) and tarkistamattomat tiedot (unverified data).

Usage: In journalism, research, and data governance, tarkistamaton is used to flag material whose accuracy or origin has not been confirmed. It appears in statements such as “tämä on tarkistamaton väite” (this is an unverified claim) or in labels on online content to indicate lack of verification. The opposite form is tarkistettu or vahvistettu, used for items that have been checked or confirmed.

Limitations: While tarkistamaton clearly signals uncertainty, it does not specify the nature of the verification needed or the reasons for the lack of verification. In formal writing, it is often paired with other qualifiers that indicate risk or source reliability.

See also: tarkistaa, vahvistettu, lähde, fact-checking.

Notes: The word is common in contemporary Finnish and is appropriate in media, research, and public discourse where verification status is relevant.