Unstretched

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Describing something that has not been pulled out, extended or spread to its full length ; having kept its original size and shape without being drawn out or enlarged
2. Not having been expanded or drawn taut, so still in its original form ; left in a relaxed state without being pulled beyond its usual length
3. Still in a slack or unextended condition, never pulled out to full length ; retaining its natural dimensions and not being forced larger or longer

Etymology: "Unstretched" is a plain formation: the prefix "un-" meaning "not" attached to "stretched," the past participle of "stretch." The prefix has an ancient pedigree, traceable back through Proto-Germanic to the Proto-Indo-European negative root, and it entered English as the native Old English "un-," the same prefix that gives us "unhappy" and "unkind." Because it is a native English prefix, it can attach freely to participles like this one, so "unstretched" is an ad hoc, transparent negation rather than a word with its own separate history.

Synonyms: slack, loose, relaxed

Antonyms: stretched, taut, tight