A numeric value or variable that has no sign and can only be positive.
"In programming, an unsigned integer is a data type that stores only non-negative whole numbers without distinguishing between positive and negative values."
In plain English: An unsigned item is something that has no signature on it, meaning nobody officially signed their name to approve or own it.
"The unsigned player signed his contract immediately after arriving at training camp."
Not accepting negative numbers; having only a positive absolute value.
"The unsigned integer variable can only store values from zero up to its maximum capacity, as it cannot represent any negative numbers."
In plain English: Unsigned means something that has not been signed by anyone yet, so it is officially unapproved or unofficial.
"The unsigned letter just sat on his desk waiting to be read."
Usage: Use this term in technical contexts to describe variables, data types, or mathematical values restricted to zero or positive numbers without the option for negatives. It is often contrasted with "signed" integers in programming when defining storage limits or input validation rules.
The word unsigned combines the prefix un-, meaning not or opposite of, with the past participle signed to indicate something that has not been signed. This straightforward formation directly describes an action or document lacking a signature.