uncontrolled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "uncontrolled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, person, or action that is beyond regulation or restraint, such as "the uncontrolled growth of the population".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How effective this approach is we're unlikely to know until decades from now we find ourselves either in a world of uncontrolled warming, or not.

The Guardian

The risks are that either they don't work, resulting in uncontrolled diabetes, or they may work well, but in an erratic way, causing low blood sugar levels, especially when taken with conventional sugar-lowering drugs such as insulin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clinton later told reporters she wanted to get "the uncontrolled money out of politics again".

The Guardian

But it leads to potential dangers, particularly where the uncontrolled storage and flow of an individual's personal information is concerned.

The Guardian

Long accused of centralising power and eroding the country's democratic institutions, Mr Orbán is now charged by his critics with plotting to restrict access to the internet, the only significant information space still largely uncontrolled by the government, by making it too expensive for many users.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A general travel ban is likely to cause economic hardship, and could consequently increase the uncontrolled migration of people from affected countries, raising the risk of international spread of Ebola," it said in a statement.

The Guardian

One insider felt that this amounted to running an "uncontrolled experiment which would ruin children's lives" if it didn't come off.

The Guardian

For west Africa, the stability of the whole region is at stake if hunger and disease spread uncontrolled, Evans said.

The Guardian

The rape jokes which are its apotheosis don't represent uncontrolled lust – they're the aggression bred by lost entitlement and the need for someone to blame.

The Guardian

"With offensive gimmicks like this he's shown he has no credible plan to tackle the uncontrolled mess that Labour left our immigration system in".

The Guardian

You can read Uncontrolled Substances, Mike Power's investigation into the past, present and future of the designer drugs scene, for $0.99 60 pencee) on the science and technology site MATTER.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that is escalating rapidly, use "uncontrolled" to convey the urgency and potential danger of the situation, as in "uncontrolled spread" or "uncontrolled growth".

Common error

Be cautious about using "uncontrolled" in contexts where it might exaggerate the situation or sound overly sensational. Opt for more nuanced terms like "unmonitored" or "unregulated" if the situation requires a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "uncontrolled" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing a state or process that lacks regulation, management, or restraint. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts like "uncontrolled warming" or "uncontrolled migration". According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncontrolled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective to describe a lack of regulation or management. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correct and versatile. It appears most commonly in news and business contexts, often serving to highlight potential risks or negative consequences. While widely applicable, it's advisable to avoid overuse in sensationalized contexts. Consider alternatives like "unregulated" or "unmanaged" for a more objective tone where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrestrained

Emphasizes a lack of imposed limits or boundaries, suggesting a freedom from control.

unchecked

Highlights a lack of monitoring or inspection, implying potential negative consequences if not addressed.

unregulated

Specifically denotes the absence of formal rules or laws governing something.

unbridled

Suggests a passionate or energetic force that is not held back, often implying enthusiasm or excess.

out of control

Indicates a situation or entity that has exceeded the capacity for management or direction.

unchecked

Suggests a condition that is not monitored or inspected for irregularities

unruly

Implies a resistance to authority or discipline, often used to describe behavior or people.

rampant

Describes something spreading or growing quickly and without control, often with negative connotations.

unfettered

Indicates freedom from restrictions or constraints, often suggesting a positive sense of liberty.

anarchic

Refers to a state of disorder due to the absence or nonrecognition of authority or controlling systems.

FAQs

How can I use "uncontrolled" in a sentence?

You can use "uncontrolled" to describe something that is not being managed or regulated. For example, "The wildfire spread in an "uncontrolled" manner due to strong winds".

What are some synonyms for "uncontrolled"?

Some synonyms for "uncontrolled" include "unrestrained", "unchecked", and "unregulated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "uncontrolled" and "uncontrollable"?

"Uncontrolled" means something is not currently being controlled, while "uncontrollable" means it is impossible to control. The distinction focuses on the possibility of control versus the current state.

When is it appropriate to use "uncontrolled" instead of "unmanaged"?

"Uncontrolled" implies a complete absence of control or regulation, often with negative consequences. "Unmanaged" simply means something is not being actively managed, but it doesn't necessarily imply a negative outcome. It can depend on the situation and the specific nuances you are trying to convey.