uncontrolled

adjective

un·​con·​trolled ˌən-kən-ˈtrōld 

: 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

Synonyms

• rampant
• runaway

Examples of uncontrolled in a Sentence

a tirade filled with uncontrolled anger about what the government was doing

Recent Examples on the Web

The disease triggers nerve cells in parts of the brain to gradually break down and die, leading to uncontrolled movements, emotional or behavioral problems, and loss of cognition. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

McVay has long declined to play his starters in the preseason, an uncontrolled environment with full contact and tackling risks injuries before the games even start to count. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025

Low platelet counts increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025

Then, uncontrolled, jerky movements develop as well as vision loss, dementia, and seizures. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for uncontrolled

• ahold
• behold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enfold
• enrolled
• extolled

Medical Definition

uncontrolled

adjective

un·​con·​trolled ˌən-kən-ˈtrōld 

1

: not being under control

uncontrolled hypertension

2

: not incorporating suitable experimental controls

uncontrolled drug trials