unisex
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
Designed or suitable for use by both men and women.
Pertaining to or intended for all sexes or genders; not gender-specific.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as an adjective. While the term literally means 'one sex,' it is used to describe things that are common to both or all sexes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. Concept is widespread in marketing, fashion, and product design.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly modern/liberal. May carry connotations of progressive gender politics in certain contexts.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in fashion/retail contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adjective + noun][be + adjective]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A unisex appeal”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing and product development to describe goods/services for a broad demographic.
Academic
Used in sociology, gender studies, and design theory to discuss non-binary classifications.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, hairstyles, bathrooms, or products.
Technical
Used in fashion design, architecture (restroom planning), and product labelling.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The new barbershop is unisex, catering to all clients.
- They installed a unisex changing room at the sports centre.
American English
- The brand launched a unisex fragrance last fall.
- The dorm floor has a unisex bathroom.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This t-shirt is unisex, so men and women can wear it.
- Many modern hair salons are unisex, with stylists trained for all hair types.
- The fashion industry's move towards unisex collections reflects changing societal attitudes.
- Architects are increasingly incorporating unisex facilities in public buildings to promote inclusivity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
UNI (one) + SEX (gender) = for one, single sex? No! Ironically, it means for ALL sexes together as one group.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER IS A CONTAINER > 'Unisex' conceptualises gender as a container that can be made inclusive or single-occupancy.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'унисекс' (a direct borrowing, used primarily for fashion). In Russian, the term is narrower, often limited to clothing style, whereas in English it applies to toilets, products, hairstyles, etc.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'unisex' as a noun (e.g., 'This is a unisex') instead of an adjective (e.g., 'This is a unisex item').
- Pronouncing it as /juːnɪˈseks/ (stress on the wrong syllable).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'unisex' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many contexts, yes. However, 'gender-neutral' is broader and can refer to language and policies, while 'unisex' is often more concrete, describing physical items or spaces.
Not typically. It describes objects, places, or styles (e.g., unisex clothes). For a person, terms like 'androgynous' are more appropriate.
It is neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, though it originated in mid-20th century marketing.
A single-sex or gendered toilet (e.g., 'Ladies' or 'Gents').