unassisted

Unassisted is an adjective meaning not aided by others or by equipment; acting or existing on one's own. The term is widely used to indicate independence, self-reliance, or a lack of external support in various contexts.

In sports, unassisted is used to describe a scoring play that involves no pass or other help from teammates. For example, in ice hockey an unassisted goal is credited to the scorer if no teammate touched the puck after the previous play; in basketball a field goal may be described as unassisted when it is made without a recent pass from a teammate.

In childbirth, an unassisted birth (also called a freebirth) refers to delivery without professional medical personnel or planned interventions present. Practices and safety considerations vary by jurisdiction and personal beliefs.

In astronomy and observational contexts, unassisted observation means viewing an object with the naked eye or without optical aids, as opposed to using telescopes or binoculars.

In everyday language, unassisted describes tasks completed without external help—such as an unassisted ascent, lift, or rescue—and often contrasts with assisted versions that involve support, equipment, or other people.

Etymology: from un- (not) + assisted, attested in English since the 15th century, the word retains the sense of independence and lack of external aid.