'unopposed' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'opposed' from Latin 'opponere', where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'ponere' meant 'to place'.

'opponere' transformed into the Old French word 'opposer', and eventually became the modern English word 'oppose', with 'unopposed' forming by adding the prefix 'un-'.

Initially, it meant 'not placed against', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not opposed or challenged'.