unchallenged

USAGE SUMMARY

'unchallenged' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the status of an idea, opinion or claim that has not been argued against or questioned. For example: His leadership went unchallenged for the duration of his tenure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, here in the west, unchallenged by international courts, Norway, Iceland and Greenland continue whaling.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was no rebuttal pointing out the decent levels of growth before George Osborne choked off the recovery Even the entirely false statement that Gordon Brown had sold off the Britain's gold reserves at knock-down prices to fund public spending went unchallenged, sacrificed to the strategy of fighting the 2015 election, not the 2010 one all over again.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't think I should let the advance of White's pawns go unchallenged.

The Guardian - Sport

For at least two months, the unchallenged assumption had been that the government would abstain at both Lloyds and RBS if the banks asked for authority to award 200% bonuses.

The Guardian - Business

I was very conscious that the film I was making was giving Amanda a platform that would go unchallenged during the filming process, but as a producer and a viewer the project fascinated me.

The Guardian

(Binge-drinking remains unchallenged in the top position).

The Guardian - Books

"The legal action has made it absolutely clear that we will not stand by and tolerate malicious personal attacks of this nature, which if unchallenged would have seriously damaged the reputations of innocent people".

The Guardian

Equally he could not leave the SNP unchallenged.

The Guardian

Neither Labour or the Tories can afford to let Guthrie's or the coroners' views pass unchallenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

The former Rangers midfielder first scraped the top of the bar with an 18-yard drive that was unhurried and unchallenged and should have been on target.

The Guardian - Sport

And obsessive fiscal conservatism was left unchallenged, hardening into the self-defeating dogma that now threatens to sink the currency union.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unchallenged" to emphasize the lack of any opposing arguments or competition. This highlights the strength or dominance of the subject being described.

Common error

Avoid using "unchallenged" when the subject's position is maintained through active effort or defense, rather than a lack of opposition. For instance, a champion who consistently defends their title is not "unchallenged", but rather, "defended".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unchallenged" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of being where no opposition or dispute exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "unchallenged" aptly describes a situation or entity that faces no opposition or dispute. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. The phrase conveys a sense of dominance or certainty, highlighting the lack of resistance. While alternatives like "uncontested" or "undisputed" exist, "unchallenged" carries a specific connotation of non-resistance that makes it a powerful and frequently used descriptor. As writing guidance suggests, avoid its use when the subject is actively defending its position, rather than simply lacking challengers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontested

Similar in meaning, but may imply a lack of opposition in a more formal setting.

uncontested

This is very close in meaning and often interchangeable, focusing on lack of opposition.

undisputed

Suggests that something is so clear that it cannot be argued against.

unquestioned

Implies that something is accepted without doubt or inquiry.

without opposition

A more descriptive phrase indicating the absence of any opposing force or argument.

unrivaled

Focuses on the lack of competition or a superior position.

accepted without question

Emphasizes the complete agreement or acquiescence regarding something.

without debate

Highlights the absence of discussion or argument about a particular point.

dominant

It indicates the primary and central element, but has a higher level meaning change.

supreme

It indicates the state of having the highest quality or authority.

FAQs

How to use "unchallenged" in a sentence?

You can use "unchallenged" to describe a position, idea, or claim that has not faced any opposition or questioning. For example: "His leadership remained "unchallenged" throughout his tenure".

What can I say instead of "unchallenged"?

You can use alternatives like "undisputed", "uncontested", or "unquestioned" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "unchallenged" or "uncontested"?

Both ""unchallenged"" and "uncontested" are correct, but they may have slightly different connotations. "Unchallenged" implies a lack of any attempt to dispute or oppose something, while "uncontested" suggests that something was easily won or achieved without any real competition.

What's the difference between "unchallenged" and "unrivaled"?

"Unchallenged" means that something hasn't faced opposition, while "unrivaled" means that something has no equal or superior. Something can be unchallenged without being unrivaled, and vice versa.