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

• abandoned
• intemperate
• rampant
• raw
• runaway
• unbounded
• unbridled
• unchecked
• unhampered
• unhindered
• unrestrained

Examples of uncontrolled in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Grass seed stored in a garage or storage shed—uncontrolled environments—generally last only a year or two, according to McCausland. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025

There was also evidence of uncontrolled inflammatory response in the brains of older rats after three days, identified through a change in levels of proteins known as cytokines. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025

Keep your fingers crossed as this uncontrolled experiment is getting bigger each passing day. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Pilots operating in uncontrolled fields also must still comply with all FAA regulations, including maintaining visibility and safe altitudes. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 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