Unshared

Unshared is an adjective describing something not shared, not distributed to others, or kept private. It implies a separation from communal access or use and is the opposite of shared, which denotes accessibility or allocation to multiple parties. The term can apply to objects, information, or resources that are intended for a single owner or recipient and are not intended for broad distribution.

In technology, unshared data or memory refers to isolation between users or processes. Unshared memory segments are allocated to a single process and are not mapped into other processes’ address spaces, increasing security and stability. In file systems and collaboration tools, an unshared file or folder is accessible only to the owner or to users with explicit permissions, not automatically available to everyone. In cloud services, an unshared link restricts access so that only designated individuals can view the contents.

In resource management and economics, unshared resources are those controlled by a single entity and not available for communal use. The concept highlights trade-offs between privacy or security and efficiency gained from sharing resources.

In social and privacy contexts, keeping information unshared can be a deliberate choice to protect personal data, maintain confidentiality, or reduce risk. Deciding whether to keep information unshared involves considerations of trust, potential harm, and organizational or legal requirements.

See also: shared memory, private data, confidentiality, access control, privacy.