uncontrolled

adjective

un·​con·​trolled ˌən-kən-ˈtrōld How to pronounce uncontrolled (audio)
: not controlled: such as
a
: happening or done without being stopped, slowed, or controlled
an uncontrolled tantrum
his uncontrolled anger
uncontrolled hypertension
uncontrolled urban sprawl
b
: not conducted or maintained in accordance with fixed rules, restraints, or procedures
results from an uncontrolled study
c
: not regulated by law with regard to possession and use
uncontrolled substances

Examples of uncontrolled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The uncontrolled disposal of the pallet, however, was not part of the original plan. George Dvorsky / Gizmodo, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 The National Priorities List includes sites with the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Hyperinflation is the rapid and uncontrolled increase of inflation in an economy, according to Investopedia. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 To prevent an uncontrolled, systemwide blackout, ERCOT cut power to millions of homes across the state for days until generators could come back online. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2024 The uncontrolled gap, however, remains entrenched and largely unmovable despite policy efforts, especially in the form of pay transparency laws in states like California, Connecticut and New York. Josie Cox, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Many factors are responsible for our high incidence of uncontrolled hypertension. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024 In Poland, farmers plan to block roads in as many as 250 locations to protest EU plans to curb carbon emissions, as well as what organizers have described as uncontrolled food imports from neighboring Ukraine. William Horobin, Bloomberg.com, 24 Jan. 2024 While university leadership attempts to address hate speech on campuses, the uncontrolled online spread of antisemitic sentiments remains a significant challenge. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncontrolled.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncontrolled was circa 1535

Dictionary Entries Near uncontrolled

Cite this Entry

“Uncontrolled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncontrolled. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

uncontrolled

adjective
un·​con·​trolled ˌən-kən-ˈtrōld How to pronounce uncontrolled (audio)
1
: not being under control
uncontrolled hypertension
2
: not incorporating suitable experimental controls
uncontrolled drug trials

More from Merriam-Webster on uncontrolled

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