unlighted

Unlighted is an English adjective meaning not lit or not illuminated; lacking light. It describes spaces, objects, or conditions characterized by an absence of illumination. The word is formed from the prefix un- plus lighted, the past participle of light.

Historically, unlighted was common in older texts and in some registers of formal writing. In contemporary English, unlit is far more frequent in ordinary usage. Unlighted tends to appear in literary, ceremonial, or technical contexts where a more archaic or deliberative tone is desired.

Usage notes: In modern prose, unlit is usually preferred for objects or places that are not currently illuminated (an unlit street, an unlit room). Unlighted is more likely to appear when the author wants to emphasize the state of being without light over a longer period, or to achieve a specific cadence or register. The expression can occur in phrases such as unlighted area, unlighted vessel, or unlighted candle.

In poetry and historical writing, unlighted can convey atmosphere and antiquity; in science or engineering contexts, unlit or darkness is typically used, with unlighted reserved for stylistic choices.

See also: unlit, darkness, illumination, lighted, prefix un-.

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