unscented
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking fragrance: "unscented" describes something that has no added or natural smell; it is free from any noticeable odor.
- Not perfumed: Specifically, it refers to products (e.g., soaps, candles, lotions) that are deliberately made without any artificial or natural scent.
Usage Examples
- (Soap without any added fragrance.)
- (A candle without any perfume.)
- (An air freshener that does not emit any odor.)
Advanced Usage
- "unscented" in product labeling: Often used to indicate hypoallergenic or sensitive-skin formulations.
- Many unscented detergents are marketed for babies and people with allergies. (Detergents without added perfumes for safety.)
- "unscented" vs. "fragrance-free": While similar, "unscented" may mean no added scent, but a natural odor might still exist; "fragrance-free" typically means no scent at all, including natural.
- This unscented lotion still smells faintly of cocoa butter, but it is labeled unscented because no perfume was added. (A subtle natural odor remains.)
Variants and Related Words
- Scent (n): a distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant.
- The scent of roses filled the garden. (The natural fragrance of flowers.)
- Scented (adj): having a pleasant or noticeable smell, often artificially added.
- She prefers scented candles with lavender or vanilla. (Candles with added fragrance.)
- Unscentedly (adv): in a manner without smell (rarely used).
- The product was unscentedly packaged to avoid any odor transfer. (Packaging that does not contribute any scent.)
Synonyms
- Fragrance-free: having no perfume or added smell.
- Odorless: lacking any smell at all.
- Deodorized: having had smells removed or neutralized.
Related Idioms
- No scent, no offense: (informal) a playful way to say that something without smell causes no irritation or complaint.
- I use unscented deodorant—no scent, no offense. (No smell means no one is bothered.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Scent out: to detect or find by smell.
- The dog scented out the hidden treats. (The dog found them using its sense of smell.)
- Scent up: to add a smell to something (often used with "unscented" in contrast).
- She scented up the unscented soap with essential oils. (She added fragrance to a previously unscented product.)