Meaning & use
unsynchronized
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Not happening or operating at the same time or speed; not coordinated.
Grammar: Describes things that should be in sync but are not; often used in technical contexts.
Patterns
- unsynchronized with something
- unsynchronized data
- unsynchronized movements
The audio and video were unsynchronized, making the movie hard to watch.
The two clocks were unsynchronized, so they showed different times.
The swimmers' movements were unsynchronized and looked messy.
adjectivenot comparablecomputingtechnical
(In computing) not sharing a common timing signal or not updated to the same state.
Grammar: Used in technical descriptions of systems or data.
Patterns
- unsynchronized files
- unsynchronized databases
The unsynchronized databases caused errors in the report.
After the crash, the unsynchronized files had to be merged manually.
Common combinations
- unsynchronized audio
- The unsynchronized audio made the video confusing.
- unsynchronized swimming
- They performed an unsynchronized swimming routine for comedy.
- unsynchronized clocks
- The unsynchronized clocks in the office caused missed meetings.
- become unsynchronized
- The machines can become unsynchronized if not maintained.
Synonyms and how they differ
- out of sync
- Informal phrase meaning not matching in time; less technical than unsynchronized.
- uncoordinated
- Suggests lack of smooth movement or planning, not necessarily timing.
- desynchronized
- A more technical term often used in science and computing.
Opposites
Word family
- synchronize verb
- To make things happen at the same time.
- synchronized adjective
- Happening at the same time or speed.
- synchronization noun
- The act of making things happen together.
Commonly confused: unsynchronized or unsynchronised?
unsynchronized vs unsynchronised
British spelling with 's' instead of 'z'; same meaning.
Practice
The film's subtitles were ___ with the spoken dialogue, so they appeared too early.
Choose one answer.
Unsynchronized means not matched in time, which fits the context of subtitles appearing too early. Synchronized would mean they matched, and unsympathetic is unrelated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unsynchronized”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.