Unsafely

Unsafely is an adverb used to describe the manner in which something is done when safety is not ensured or is violated. It denotes actions, procedures, or conditions that fail to meet safety standards, guidelines, or prudent practice. As the adverbial form of the adjective unsafe, it is formed by adding -ly to unsafe; the root unsafe itself is formed from the prefix un- plus safe.

In use, unsafely modifies verbs and, less often, adjectives or phrases that describe how something is performed. It can apply to physical actions (driving unsafely, operating machinery unsafely) or to the handling of objects and processes (storing chemicals unsafely, following unsafely implemented procedures). In safety and regulatory language, it often implies negligence, recklessness, or noncompliance with established rules, though its usage does not on its own determine legality.

Related terms include unsafe and the broader concept of safety, as well as downstream terms like unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Its synonyms include carelessly or recklessly in certain contexts, while dangerously is often used to describe the inherent risk rather than the conduct.

Examples: The contractor was cited for working unsafely on the construction site. The report noted unsafely installed wiring that posed a fire hazard.