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

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) could help stop the uncontrolled proliferation of satellites in Earth orbit, which threatens to erase stars from the sky, astronomers hope. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

This includes how the enterprise deliberately shapes its external capabilities, interfaces, standards, data exchanges and commercial dependencies without allowing the vehicle to become an uncontrolled collection of third-party technologies. — Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Those tests have covered both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

The United Nations Environment Program estimates that more than 90% of waste generated in Africa is disposed of at uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills, often with associated open burning. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 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