'unoccupied' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'occupare,' where 'occu-' meant 'toward' and 'parare' meant 'to prepare.'

'occupare' transformed into the Old French word 'occuper,' and eventually became the modern English word 'occupy,' with 'un-' added to denote the opposite.

Initially, it meant 'to seize or take possession of,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not being used or filled by people.'