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 of uncontrolled

• 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

But, in terms of returning to the field in an uncontrolled environment, Dan Lanning mentioned that he can not be cleared by the Ducks medical team for a return to live action. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

The American Society of Anesthesiologists notes that uncontrolled postoperative pain can contribute to immobility and shallow breathing, which may increase the risk for complications including blood clots and pneumonia. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026

For over two months, an outbreak of bird flu has raged uncontrolled on a Utah farm that raises thousands of mink for fur. — Nat Lash, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026

Weapons, on the other hand, need a much higher concentration—90 percent—to spark an uncontrolled reaction. — Nick Bockelman, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

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