undetected

adjective

un·​de·​tect·​ed ˌən-di-ˈtek-təd How to pronounce undetected (audio)
-dē-
: not observed, noticed, or detected
an undetected flaw/error
an undetected illness
These rare mistakes are subtle and may go undetected for months and even years.Mario Salvadori

Examples of undetected in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This fragmented system, combined with research indicating that many doctors deviate from lead testing guidelines, allows exposures to go undetected until irreversible neurological damage has been done. Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The state has argued that the silver-primer rounds were live, and went undetected for at least 11 days before the shooting. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 The mother of five was told her cancer had likely been around since 2012 but went undetected on routine mammograms due to her dense breast tissue (a kind of breast tissue 40% of women have). Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 29 Feb. 2024 In addition, Gaza has a vast tunnel network, more extensive than Israeli intelligence had originally thought, where fighters can move undetected and leaders can hide. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 21 Dec. 2023 The massive size of many groups has also enabled men to join undetected, some men said in interviews. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 But the test isn’t very sensitive, so infections can easily go undetected. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024 Doctors were unable to figure out why (years later Hamilton would learn that an undetected brain tumor was likely to blame), and the condition took its toll on everyone. Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 Initial compromises are going undetected for months or even years at a time, which was common far before the pandemic. Reuven Aronashvili, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undetected.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undetected was circa 1602

Dictionary Entries Near undetected

Cite this Entry

“Undetected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undetected. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on undetected

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!