An unbonded validator is a node in a blockchain network that participates in the validation process but does not have any stake or collateral locked in to secure their actions. Unlike bonded validators, who stake a certain amount of cryptocurrency to gain the right to validate transactions and earn rewards, unbonded validators operate without this financial commitment.This lack of staking can offer certain advantages, such as increased flexibility and lower risk. Unbonded validators can validate blocks without the pressure of losing their staked assets if they act maliciously or fail to perform their duties. However, this also means they typically do not earn rewards since their role does not contribute directly to the network’s security through the staking mechanism.Unbonded validators may still play a role in providing network services, such as processing transactions or maintaining network integrity, but they often face limitations in terms of influence and reward potential compared to their bonded counterparts. The balance between bonded and unbonded validators can impact the overall health and security of a blockchain network.