Uu
U , u /juː / (U's, u's ) N‑VAR U is the twenty-first letter of the English alphabet.
uber- /uː bə r -/ COMB Uber combines with nouns and adjectives to form nouns and adjectives that refer to a great or extreme example of something. [JOURNALISM ] □ She became the internet's first uberbabe. □ McNally now owns a clutch of uberchic downtown celebrity hang-outs.
ubiqui|tous /juːb I kw I təs/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as ubiquitous , you mean that they seem to be everywhere. [FORMAL ] □ Sugar is ubiquitous in the diet. □ She is one of the wealthiest, most ubiquitous media personalities around.
ubiquity /juːb I kw I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the ubiquity of something, you mean that it seems to be everywhere. [FORMAL ]
ud|der /ʌ də r / (udders ) N‑COUNT A cow's udder is the organ that hangs below its body and produces milk.
UFO /juː ef oʊ , juː foʊ/ (UFOs ) N‑COUNT A UFO is an object seen in the sky or landing on Earth which cannot be identified and which is often believed to be from another planet. UFO is an abbreviation for 'unidentified flying object'. □ There has been a surge of UFO sightings in America.
Ugan|dan /juːgæ ndən/ (Ugandans )
1 ADJ Ugandan means belonging or relating to Uganda or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Ugandan is a Ugandan citizen, or a person of Ugandan origin.
ugh EXCLAM Ugh is used in writing to represent the sound that people make if they think something is unpleasant, horrible, or disgusting. □ Ugh–it was horrible.
ugly /ʌ gli/ (uglier , ugliest )
1 ADJ If you say that someone or something is ugly , you mean that they are very unattractive and unpleasant to look at. □ …an ugly little hat. □ She makes me feel dowdy and ugly. ● ug|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the raw ugliness of his native city.
2 ADJ If you refer to an event or situation as ugly , you mean that it is very unpleasant, usually because it involves violent or aggressive behaviour. □ There have been some ugly scenes. □ The confrontation turned ugly. ● ug|li|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the subtlety and ugliness of sexual harassment.
3 to rear its ugly head → see rear
u gly du ck|ling (ugly ducklings ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone, especially a child, is an ugly duckling , you mean that they are unattractive or awkward now, but will probably develop into an attractive and successful person.
UHF /juː e I tʃ e f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] UHF is a range of radio waves which allows a radio or television receiver to produce a good quality of sound. UHF is an abbreviation for 'ultra-high frequency'. □ …Boston UHF channels.
uh huh also uh-huh CONVENTION Uh huh is used in writing to represent a sound that people make when they are agreeing with you, when they want to show that they understand what you are saying, or when they are answering 'yes' to a question. [INFORMAL ] □ 'Did she?'—'Uh huh.'
UHT /juː e I tʃ tiː / ADJ [usu ADJ n] UHT is used to describe milk which has been treated at a very high temperature so that it can be kept for a long time if the container is not opened. UHT is an abbreviation for 'ultra-heat-treated'. [BRIT ]
UK ◆◇◇ /juː ke I / N‑PROPER The UK is Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UK is an abbreviation for 'United Kingdom'.
uku|lele /juː kəle I li/ (ukuleles ) also ukelele N‑COUNT A ukulele is a small guitar with four strings.
ul|cer /ʌ lsə r / (ulcers ) N‑COUNT An ulcer is a sore area on the outside or inside of your body which is very painful and may bleed or produce an unpleasant poisonous substance. □ …stomach ulcers.
ul|cer|at|ed /ʌ lsəre I t I d/ ADJ If a part of someone's body is ulcerated , ulcers have developed on it. □ …ulcerated mouths. □ Every inch of his arms and legs was ulcerated.
ul|te|ri|or /ʌlt I ə riə r / ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that someone has an ulterior motive for doing something, you believe that they have a hidden reason for doing it. □ [+ for ] Sheila had an ulterior motive for trying to help Stan.
ul|ti|mate ◆◇◇ /ʌ lt I mət/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the final result or aim of a long series of events. □ He said it is still not possible to predict the ultimate outcome. □ The ultimate aim is to expand the network further.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the original source or cause of something. □ Plants are the ultimate source of all foodstuffs. □ The ultimate cause of what's happened seems to have been the advertising campaign.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the most important or powerful thing of a particular kind. □ …the ultimate power of the central government. □ Of course, the ultimate authority remained the presidency.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the most extreme and unpleasant example of a particular thing. □ Bringing back the death penalty would be the ultimate abuse of human rights.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ultimate to describe the best possible example of a particular thing. □ Caviar and oysters on ice are generally considered the ultimate luxury foods.
6 PHRASE The ultimate in something is the best or most advanced example of it. □ [+ in ] This hotel is the ultimate in luxury. SYNONYMS ultimate ADJ 1
final: Astronauts will make a final attempt today to rescue a communications satellite.
eventual: The eventual aim is reunification.
last: This is his last chance as prime minister.
ul|ti|mate|ly ◆◇◇ /ʌ lt I mətli/
1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] Ultimately means finally, after a long and often complicated series of events. □ …a tough but ultimately worthwhile struggle.
2 ADV You use ultimately to indicate that what you are saying is the most important point in a discussion. □ Ultimately, Bismarck's revisionism scarcely affected or damaged British interests at all. SYNONYMS ultimately ADV
1
finally: The word was finally given for us to get on board.
eventually: The flight eventually got away six hours late.
in the end: I toyed with the idea of calling the police, but in the end I didn't.
2
fundamentally: He can be very charming, but he is fundamentally a bully.
essentially: Essentially, vines and grapes need water, heat and light.
basically: Battery charging systems remain basically the same as those in use half a century ago.
primarily: Public order is primarily an urban problem.
ul|ti|ma|tum /ʌ lt I me I təm/ (ultimatums or ultimata ) N‑COUNT An ultimatum is a warning to someone that unless they act in a particular way, action will be taken against them. □ [+ to ] I was given an ultimatum to lose weight or lose my place on the team.
PREFIX ultra-
forms adjectives that refer to people and things that possess a quality to a very large degree. For example, an ultra-light fabric is extremely light.
ultra|ma|rine /ʌ ltrəməriː n/ COLOUR Ultramarine is used to describe things that are very bright blue in colour. □ …an ultramarine sky.
ultra|son|ic /ʌ ltrəsɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ultrasonic sounds have very high frequencies, which human beings cannot hear.
ultra|sound /ʌ ltrəsaʊnd/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Ultrasound is sound waves which travel at such a high frequency that they cannot be heard by humans. Ultrasound is used in medicine to get pictures of the inside of people's bodies. □ I had an ultrasound scan to see how the pregnancy was progressing.
ultra|vio|let /ʌ ltrəva I ələt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ultraviolet light or radiation is what causes your skin to become darker in colour after you have been in sunlight. In large amounts ultraviolet light is harmful. □ The sun's ultraviolet rays are responsible for both tanning and burning.
ulu|late /juː ljʊle I t, [AM ] ʌ l-/ (ululates , ululating , ululated ) VERB If someone ululates , they make quickly repeated loud sounds, often to express sorrow or happiness. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] At Hamid's daughter's school, teachers ululated in celebration. □ [V -ing] He let out this long ululating moan.
um Um is used in writing to represent a sound that people make when they are hesitating, usually while deciding what they want to say next. □ She felt her face going red–'I'm sorry Rob, it's just that I'm, um, overwhelmed.'
um|ber /ʌ mbə r / COLOUR Umber is used to describe things that are yellowish or reddish brown in colour. □ …umber paint.
um|bili|cal cord /ʌmb I l I k ə l kɔː r d/ (umbilical cords ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The umbilical cord is the tube that connects an unborn baby to its mother, through which it receives oxygen and food.
um|brage /ʌ mbr I dʒ/ PHRASE If you say that a person takes umbrage , you mean that they are upset or offended by something that someone says or does to them, often without much reason. [FORMAL ] □ He takes umbrage against anyone who criticises him.
um|brel|la /ʌmbre lə/ (umbrellas )
1 N‑COUNT An umbrella is an object which you use to protect yourself from the rain or hot sun. It consists of a long stick with a folding frame covered in cloth. □ Harry held an umbrella over Dawn.
2 N‑SING [N n] Umbrella is used to refer to a single group or description that includes a lot of different organizations or ideas. □ [+ of ] Does coincidence come under the umbrella of the paranormal? □ Within the umbrella term 'dementia' there are many different kinds of disease.
3 N‑SING Umbrella is used to refer to a system or agreement which protects a country or group of people. □ [+ of ] As regulated investments, they come under the umbrella of the country's financial compensation scheme.
um|laut /ʊ mlaʊt/ (umlauts ) N‑COUNT An umlaut is a symbol that is written over vowels in German and some other languages to indicate the way in which they should be pronounced. For example, the word 'für' has an umlaut over the 'u'.
um|pire /ʌ mpa I ə r / (umpires , umpiring , umpired )
1 N‑COUNT An umpire is a person whose job is to make sure that a sports match or contest is played fairly and that the rules are not broken. □ The umpire's decision is final.
2 VERB To umpire means to be the umpire in a sports match or contest. □ [V n] He umpired baseball games. □ [+ for , V ] He umpired for school football matches until he was in his late 50s.
ump|teen /ʌ mptiː n/ DET Umpteen can be used to refer to an extremely large number of things or people. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ He was interrupted by applause umpteen times. □ He has produced umpteen books, plays and television series.
ump|teenth /ʌ mptiː nθ/ ORD You use umpteenth to indicate that an occasion, thing, or person happens or comes after many others. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ He checked his watch for the umpteenth time. □ She was now on her umpteenth gin.
UN ◆◆◇ /juː e n/ N‑PROPER The UN is the same as the United Nations . □ …a U.N. peacekeeping mission.
PREFIX un-
can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if something is unacceptable , it is not acceptable.
un|abashed /ʌ nəbæ ʃt/ ADJ If you describe someone as unabashed , you mean that they are not ashamed, embarrassed, or shy about something, especially when you think most people would be. □ [+ by ] He seems unabashed by his recent defeat. □ He's an unabashed, old-fashioned romantic.
un|abat|ed /ʌ nəbe I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something continues unabated , it continues without any reduction in intensity or amount. □ [+ for ] The fighting has continued unabated for over 24 hours. □ …his unabated enthusiasm for cinema.
un|able ◆◇◇ /ʌne I b ə l/ ADJ If you are unable to do something, it is impossible for you to do it, for example because you do not have the necessary skill or knowledge, or because you do not have enough time or money. □ She felt unable to concentrate on anything but the pain.
un|abridged /ʌ nəbr I dʒd/ ADJ An unabridged piece of writing, for example a book or article, is complete and not shortened in any way.
un|ac|cep|table /ʌ nəkse ptəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unacceptable , you strongly disapprove of it or object to it and feel that it should not be allowed to continue. □ [+ for ] It is totally unacceptable for children to swear. □ Joanna left her job because of her colleague's unacceptable behaviour. ● un|ac|cept|ably /ʌ nəkse ptəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □ The reform program has brought unacceptably high unemployment and falling wages.
un|ac|com|pa|nied /ʌ nəkʌ mpənid/
1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone is unaccompanied , they are alone. □ The council must care for unaccompanied minors. □ Kelly's too young to go unaccompanied.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Unaccompanied luggage or goods are being sent or transported separately from their owner. □ Unaccompanied bags are either searched or removed.
3 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v] An unaccompanied voice or instrument sings or plays alone, with no other instruments playing at the same time. □ …an unaccompanied flute. □ The piece is most often sung unaccompanied.
un|ac|count|able /ʌ nəkaʊ ntəb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unaccountable does not seem to have any sensible explanation. □ For some unaccountable reason, it struck me as extremely funny. ● un|ac|count|ably /ʌ nəkaʊ ntəbli/ ADV □ And then, unaccountably, she giggled.
2 ADJ If you describe a person or organization as unaccountable , you are critical of them because they are not responsible to anyone for their actions, or do not feel they have to explain their actions to anyone. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Economic policy in Europe should not be run by an unaccountable committee of governors of central banks.
un|ac|count|ed for /ʌ nəkaʊ nt I d fɔː r / ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If people or things are unaccounted for , you do not know where they are or what has happened to them. □ 5,000 servicemen are still unaccounted for. □ About £50 million from the robbery five years ago is unaccounted for.
un|ac|cus|tomed /ʌ nəkʌ stəmd/
1 ADJ If you are unaccustomed to something, you do not know it very well or have not experienced it very often. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ to ] They were unaccustomed to such military setbacks. □ [+ to ] It is a part of Britain as yet largely unaccustomed to tourists.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's behaviour or experiences as unaccustomed , you mean that they do not usually behave like this or have experiences of this kind. [WRITTEN ] □ He began to comfort me with unaccustomed gentleness.
un|ac|knowl|edged /ʌ næknɒ l I dʒd/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something or someone as unacknowledged , you mean that people ignore their existence or presence, or are not aware of it. □ Unresolved or unacknowledged fears can trigger sleepwalking.
2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as unacknowledged , you mean that their existence or importance is not recognized officially or publicly. □ This tradition goes totally unacknowledged in official guidebooks.
un|ac|quaint|ed /ʌ nəkwe I nt I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are unacquainted with something, you do not know about it or do not have not any experience of it. □ [+ with ] I was then totally unacquainted with his poems.
un|adorned /ʌ nədɔː r nd/ ADJ Something that is unadorned is plain, rather than having decoration on it. □ The room is typically simple and unadorned, with white walls and a tiled floor.
un|adul|ter|at|ed /ʌ nədʌ ltəre I t I d/
1 ADJ Something that is unadulterated is completely pure and has had nothing added to it. □ Organic food is unadulterated food produced without artificial chemicals or pesticides.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can also use unadulterated to emphasize a particular quality, often a bad quality. [EMPHASIS ] □ Sheer unadulterated greed should never be part of any system.
un|af|fect|ed /ʌ nəfe kt I d/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is unaffected by an event or occurrence, they are not changed by it in any way. □ [+ by ] She seemed totally unaffected by what she'd drunk. □ The strike shut down 50 airports, but most international flights were unaffected.
2 ADJ If you describe someone as unaffected , you mean that they are natural and genuine in their behaviour, and do not act as though they are more important than other people. [APPROVAL ] □ …this unaffected, charming couple.
un|afraid /ʌ nəfre I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ to-inf] If you are unafraid to do something, you are confident and not at all nervous about doing it. □ [+ of ] He is a man with a reputation for being tough and unafraid of unpopular decisions. □ She was a forceful intellectual unafraid to speak her mind.
un|aid|ed /ʌ ne I d I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, oft ADJ n] If you do something unaided , you do it without help from anyone or anything else. □ There had been at least thirteen previous attempts to reach the North Pole unaided.
un|al|loyed /ʌ nəlɔ I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a feeling such as happiness or relief as unalloyed , you are emphasizing that it is a strong feeling and no other feeling is involved. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □ …an occasion of unalloyed joy.
un|al|ter|able /ʌ nɔː ltərəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is unalterable cannot be changed. □ …an unalterable fact of life.
un|al|tered /ʌ nɔː ltə r d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] Something that remains unaltered has not changed or been changed. □ The rest of the apartment had fortunately remained unaltered since that time. □ These were my opinions, and they continue unaltered.
un|am|bigu|ous /ʌ næmb I gjuəs/ ADJ If you describe a message or comment as unambiguous , you mean that it is clear and cannot be understood wrongly. □ …an election result that sent the party an unambiguous message. ● un|am|bigu|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ He has failed to dissociate himself clearly and unambiguously from the attack.
un|am|bi|tious /ʌ næmb I ʃəs/
1 ADJ An unambitious person is not particularly interested in improving their position in life or in being successful, rich, or powerful.
2 ADJ An unambitious idea or plan is not very complicated, risky, or new, and is easy to carry out successfully.
una|nim|ity /juː nən I m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT When there is unanimity among a group of people, they all agree about something or all vote for the same thing. □ All decisions would require unanimity.
unani|mous /juːnæ n I məs/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] When a group of people are unanimous , they all agree about something or all vote for the same thing. □ [+ in ] Editors were unanimous in their condemnation of the proposals. □ They were unanimous that Chortlesby Manor must be preserved. ● unani|mous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Today its executive committee voted unanimously to reject the proposals. □ The board of ministers unanimously approved the project last week.
2 ADJ A unanimous vote, decision, or agreement is one in which all the people involved agree. □ …the unanimous vote for Petra as President. □ Their decision was unanimous.
un|an|nounced /ʌ nənaʊ nst/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v, ADJ n, oft v-link ADJ ] If someone arrives or does something unannounced , they do it unexpectedly and without anyone having being told about it beforehand. □ He had just arrived unannounced from South America. □ My first night in Saigon I paid an unannounced visit to my father's cousins.
un|an|swer|able /ʌ nɑː nsərəb ə l, -æ ns-/
1 ADJ If you describe a question as unanswerable , you mean that it has no possible answer or that a particular person cannot possibly answer it. □ They would ask their mother unanswerable questions.
2 ADJ If you describe a case or argument as unanswerable , you think that it is obviously true or correct and that nobody could disagree with it. □ The argument for recruiting McGregor was unanswerable.
un|an|swered /ʌ nɑː nsə r d, -æ ns-/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] Something such as a question or letter that is unanswered has not been answered. □ Some of the most important questions remain unanswered. □ He had always had difficulty leaving questions unanswered.
un|ap|peal|ing /ʌ nəpiː l I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unappealing , you find them unpleasant and unattractive. □ He's wearing a deeply unappealing baseball hat. □ The town is scruffy and unappealing.
un|ap|pe|tiz|ing /ʌ næ p I ta I z I ŋ/ in BRIT, also use unappetising ADJ If you describe food as unappetizing , you think it will be unpleasant to eat because of its appearance. □ …cold and unappetizing chicken.
un|ap|proach|able /ʌ nəproʊ tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unapproachable , you mean that they seem to be difficult to talk to and not very friendly.
un|ar|gu|able /ʌ nɑː r gjuəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe a statement or opinion as unarguable , you think that it is obviously true or correct and that nobody could disagree with it. □ He is making the unarguable point that our desires and preferences have a social component. ● un|ar|gu|ably /ʌ nɑː r gjuəbli/ ADV □ He is unarguably an outstanding man.
un|armed /ʌ nɑː r md/ ADJ If a person or vehicle is unarmed , they are not carrying any weapons. □ The soldiers concerned were unarmed at the time. □ Thirteen unarmed civilians died in that attack. ● ADV [ADV after v] Unarmed is also an adverb. □ He says he walks inside the prison without guards, unarmed.
un|ashamed /ʌ nəʃe I md/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or attitude as unashamed , you mean that they are open and honest about things that other people might find embarrassing or shocking. □ I grinned at him in unashamed delight. □ [+ of ] …a man rightly unashamed of his own talent. ● un|asham|ed|ly /ʌ nəʃe I m I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ He hugged the man and wept unashamedly.
un|asked /ʌ nɑː skt, -æ skt/
1 ADJ An unasked question is one that has not been asked, although people are wondering what the answer is. □ She was undernourished, an observation that prompted yet another unasked question. □ Significant questions will go unasked.
2 ADJ [ADJ after v] If someone says or does something unasked , they say or do it without being asked to do it. □ His advice, offered to her unasked, was to stay home and make the best of things.
un|as|sail|able /ʌ nəse I ləb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unassailable , you mean that nothing can alter, destroy, or challenge them. □ That was enough to give her an unassailable lead. □ His legal position is unassailable.
un|as|sist|ed /ʌ nəs I st I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n] If you do something unassisted , you do it on your own and no-one helps you. □ At other times, he'd force her to walk totally unassisted. □ …a mother who has had an unassisted delivery.
un|as|sum|ing /ʌ nəsjuː m I ŋ, [AM ] -suː m-/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as unassuming , you approve of them because they are quiet and do not try to appear important. [APPROVAL ] □ He's a man of few words, very polite and unassuming.
un|at|tached /ʌ nətæ tʃt/ ADJ Someone who is unattached is not married or does not have a girlfriend or boyfriend. □ I knew only two or three unattached men.
un|at|tain|able /ʌ nəte I nəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is unattainable , you mean that it cannot be achieved or is not available. □ There are those who argue that true independent advice is unattainable. □ …an unattainable dream.
un|at|tend|ed /ʌ nəte nd I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] When people or things are left unattended , they are not being watched or looked after. □ Never leave young children unattended near any pool or water tank. □ An unattended bag was spotted near the platform.
un|at|trac|tive /ʌ nətræ kt I v/
1 ADJ Unattractive people and things are unpleasant in appearance. □ I'm 27, have a nice flat, a good job and I'm not unattractive. □ …an unattractive and uninteresting city.
2 ADJ If you describe something as unattractive , you mean that people do not like it and do not want to be involved with it. □ [+ to ] The market is still unattractive to many insurers. □ It is not an unattractive option to make programmes for other companies.
un|author|ized /ʌ nɔː θəra I zd/ in BRIT, also use unauthorised ADJ If something is unauthorized , it has been produced or is happening without official permission. □ …the unauthorized use of a military vehicle. □ It has also been made quite clear that the trip was unauthorised.
un|avail|able /ʌ nəve I ləb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When things or people are unavailable , you cannot obtain them, meet them, or talk to them. □ Mr Hicks is out of the country and so unavailable for comment. □ Basic food products are frequently unavailable in the state shops.
un|avail|ing /ʌ nəve I l I ŋ/ ADJ An unavailing attempt to do something does not succeed. □ Efforts to reach the people named in the report proved unavailing. □ He died after a brave but unavailing fight against a terminal illness.
un|avoid|able /ʌ nəvɔ I dəb ə l/ ADJ If something is unavoidable , it cannot be avoided or prevented. □ Managers said the job losses were unavoidable. □ The recession has resulted in an unavoidable increase in spending on unemployment benefit. ● un|avoid|ably /ʌ nəvɔ I dəbli/ ADV □ Prince Khalid was unavoidably detained in Saudi Arabia.
un|aware /ʌ nəweə r / ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are unaware of something, you do not know about it. □ [+ of ] Many people are unaware of just how much food and drink they consume. □ She was unaware that she was being filmed.
un|awares /ʌ nəweə r z/ PHRASE If something catches you unawares or takes you unawares , it happens when you are not expecting it. □ Many were caught unawares by the health secretary's announcement. □ The suspect was taken unawares, without the chance to dispose of the evidence.
un|bal|ance /ʌ nbæ ləns/ (unbalances , unbalancing , unbalanced )
1 VERB If something unbalances a relationship, system, or group, it disturbs or upsets it so that it is no longer successful or functioning properly. □ [V n] The interplay between the new politics and the modern media will unbalance the political process.
2 VERB To unbalance something means to make it unsteady and likely to tip over. □ [V n] Her whole body began to buckle, unbalancing the ladder. □ [V n] Don't lean in–you're unbalancing the horse.
un|bal|anced /ʌ nbæ lənst/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as unbalanced , you mean that they appear disturbed and upset or they seem to be slightly mad. □ I knew how unbalanced Paula had been since my uncle Peter died.
2 ADJ If you describe something such as a report or argument as unbalanced , you think that it is unfair or inaccurate because it emphasizes some things and ignores others. □ U.N. officials argued that the report was unbalanced. □ …unbalanced and unfair reporting.
un|bear|able /ʌ nbeə rəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unbearable , you mean that it is so unpleasant, painful, or upsetting that you feel unable to accept it or deal with it. □ [+ for ] War has made life almost unbearable for the civilians remaining in the capital. □ I was in terrible, unbearable pain. ● un|bear|ably /ʌ nbeə rəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □ By the evening it had become unbearably hot.
un|beat|able /ʌ nbiː təb ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe something as unbeatable , you mean that it is the best thing of its kind. [EMPHASIS ] □ These resorts remain unbeatable in terms of price. □ …unbeatable Italian cars.
2 ADJ In a game or competition, if you describe a person or team as unbeatable , you mean that they win so often, or perform so well that they are unlikely to be beaten by anyone. □ The opposition was unbeatable. □ With two more days of competition to go she is in an unbeatable position.
un|beat|en /ʌ nbiː t ə n/ ADJ In sport, if a person or their performance is unbeaten , nobody else has performed well enough to beat them. □ He's unbeaten in 20 fights. □ They lost their unbeaten record with a 2-1 home defeat.
un|be|com|ing /ʌ nb I kʌ m I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you describe things such as clothes as unbecoming , you mean that they look unattractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
2 ADJ If you describe a person's behaviour or remarks as unbecoming , you mean that they are shocking and unsuitable for that person. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] His conduct was totally unbecoming to an officer in the British armed services. □ [+ of ] Those involved had performed acts unbecoming of university students.
un|be|known /ʌ nb I noʊ n/ The form unbeknownst /ʌ nb I noʊ nst/ is also used. PHRASE If something happens unbeknown to you or unbeknownst to you, you do not know about it. □ [+ to ] I am appalled that children can mount up debts unbeknown to their parents. □ [+ to ] Unbeknownst to her father, she began taking dancing lessons.
un|be|liev|able /ʌ nb I liː vəb ə l/
1 ADJ If you say that something is unbelievable , you are emphasizing that it is very good, impressive, intense, or extreme. [EMPHASIS ] □ His guitar solos are just unbelievable. □ It was an unbelievable moment when Chris won the gold medal. ● un|be|liev|ably /ʌ nb I liː vəbli/ ADV □ Our car was still going unbelievably well. □ He beamed: 'Unbelievably, we have now made it to the final twice.'
2 ADJ You can use unbelievable to emphasize that you think something is very bad or shocking. [EMPHASIS ] □ I find it unbelievable that people can accept this sort of behaviour. ● un|be|liev|ably ADV □ What you did was unbelievably stupid. □ Unbelievably, our Government are now planning to close this magnificent institution.
3 ADJ If an idea or statement is unbelievable , it seems so unlikely to be true that you cannot believe it. □ I still find this story both fascinating and unbelievable. □ I know it sounds unbelievable but I never wanted to cheat. ● un|be|liev|ably ADV □ Lainey was, unbelievably, pregnant again.
un|be|liev|er /ʌ nb I liː və r / (unbelievers ) N‑COUNT People who do not believe in a particular religion are sometimes referred to as unbelievers .
un|be|liev|ing /ʌ nb I liː v I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as unbelieving , you mean that they do not believe something that they have been told. □ He looked at me with unbelieving eyes.
un|bend /ʌ nbe nd/ (unbends , unbending , unbent ) VERB If someone unbends , their attitude becomes less strict than it was. □ [V ] In her dying days the old Queen unbent a little.
un|bend|ing /ʌ nbe nd I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as unbending , you mean that they have very strict beliefs and attitudes, which they are unwilling to change. □ He was rigid and unbending. □ …her unbending opposition to the old regime.
un|bi|ased /ʌ nba I əst/ also unbiassed ADJ If you describe someone or something as unbiased , you mean they are fair and not likely to support one particular person or group involved in something. □ There is no clear and unbiased information available for consumers. □ The researchers were expected to be unbiased. □ …an unbiased jury.
un|bid|den /ʌ nb I d ə n/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something happens unbidden , it happens without you expecting or wanting it to happen. [LITERARY ] □ The name came unbidden to Cook's mind–Ashley Stoker.
un|bind /ʌ nba I nd/ (unbinds , unbinding , unbound ) VERB If you unbind something or someone, you take off a piece of cloth, string, or rope that has been tied round them. □ [V n] She unbound her hair and let it flow loose in the wind. □ [V -ed] Many cultures still have fairly strict rules about women displaying unbound hair.
un|blem|ished /ʌ nble m I ʃt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as someone's record, reputation, or character as unblemished , you mean it has not been harmed or spoiled. □ …Lee's unblemished reputation as a man of honor and principle.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unblemished , you mean that it has no marks or holes on its surface. □ Be sure to select firm, unblemished fruit.
un|blink|ing /ʌ nbl I ŋk I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's eyes or expression as unblinking , you mean that they are looking steadily at something without blinking. [LITERARY ] □ He stared into Leo's unblinking eyes. ● un|blink|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ She looked at him unblinkingly.
un|born /ʌ nbɔː r n/ ADJ An unborn child has not yet been born and is still inside its mother's womb. □ …her unborn baby. □ They will affect generations of Britons still unborn. ● N‑PLURAL The unborn are children who are not born yet.
un|bound /ʌ nbaʊ nd/ Unbound is the past tense and past participle of unbind .
un|bound|ed /ʌ nbaʊ nd I d/ ADJ If you describe something as unbounded , you mean that it has, or seems to have, no limits. □ …an unbounded capacity to imitate and adopt the new. □ His advice was always sensible and his energy unbounded.
un|break|able /ʌ nbre I kəb ə l/
1 ADJ Unbreakable objects cannot be broken, usually because they are made of a very strong material. □ Tableware for outdoor use should ideally be unbreakable.
2 ADJ An unbreakable rule or limit must be obeyed. □ One unbreakable rule in our school is that no child can be tested without parental permission.
un|bridge|able /ʌ nbr I dʒəb ə l/ ADJ An unbridgeable gap or divide between two sides in an argument is so great that the two sides seem unlikely ever to agree. [JOURNALISM ] □ …the apparently unbridgeable gulf between the SIS and the Security Service. □ The gap between the President and his opponents is unbridgeable.
un|bri|dled /ʌ nbra I d ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe behaviour or feelings as unbridled , you mean that they are not controlled or limited in any way. □ …a tale of lust and unbridled passion.
un|bro|ken /ʌ nbroʊ kən/ ADJ If something is unbroken , it is continuous or complete and has not been interrupted or broken. □ …an unbroken run of 38 match wins. □ We've had ten days of almost unbroken sunshine.
un|buck|le /ʌ nbʌ k ə l/ (unbuckles , unbuckling , unbuckled ) VERB If you unbuckle something such as a belt or a shoe, you undo the buckle fastening it. □ [V n] He unbuckled his seat belt.
un|bur|den /ʌ nbɜː r d ə n/ (unburdens , unburdening , unburdened ) VERB If you unburden yourself or your problems to someone, you tell them about something which you have been secretly worrying about. □ [V pron-refl] I could see that it was doing him good to unburden himself. □ [V n + to ] Somehow he had to unburden his soul to somebody, and it couldn't be to Laura. □ [V pron-refl + of ] These women are keen to unburden themselves of guilty secrets. [Also V pron-refl, V n]
un|but|ton /ʌ nbʌ t ə n/ (unbuttons , unbuttoning , unbuttoned ) VERB If you unbutton an item of clothing, you undo the buttons fastening it. □ [V n] She had begun to unbutton her blouse. □ [V -ed] …his unbuttoned blue coat.
un|called for /ʌ nkɔː ld fɔː r / also uncalled-for ADJ If you describe a remark or criticism as uncalled for , you mean that it should not have been made, because it was unkind or unfair. □ I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. □ …Leo's uncalled-for remarks about her cousin.
un|can|ny /ʌ nkæ ni/ ADJ If you describe something as uncanny , you mean that it is strange and difficult to explain. □ …proudly holding his new baby, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. □ I had this uncanny feeling that Alice was warning me. ● un|can|ni|ly /ʌ nkæ n I li/ ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □ They have uncannily similar voices.
un|cared for /ʌ nkeə r d fɔː r / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe people or animals as uncared for , you mean that they have not been looked after properly and as a result are hungry, dirty, or ill. □ …people who feel unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.
un|caring /ʌ nkeə r I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncaring , you are critical of them for not caring about other people, especially people who are in a bad situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It portrays him as cold and uncaring. □ …this uncaring attitude towards the less well off.
un|ceas|ing /ʌnsiː s I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unceasing , you are emphasizing that it continues without stopping. [EMPHASIS ] □ …his unceasing labours. ● un|ceas|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Paul talked unceasingly from dawn to dusk.
un|cer|emo|ni|ous|ly /ʌ nser I moʊ niəsli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone or something is removed, left, or put somewhere unceremoniously , this is done in a sudden or rude way that shows they are not thought to be important. □ She was unceremoniously dumped to be replaced by a leader who could win the election. □ He had to be bundled unceremoniously out of the way.
un|cer|tain /ʌnsɜː r t ə n/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ wh/that] If you are uncertain about something, you do not know what you should do, what is going to happen, or what the truth is about something. □ [+ about ] He was uncertain about his brother's intentions. □ [+ of ] They were uncertain of the total value of the transaction. □ He stopped, uncertain how to put the question tactfully. □ With some hesitation and an uncertain smile, she held out her hand. ● un|cer|tain|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ He entered the hallway and stood uncertainly.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is uncertain , it is not known or definite. □ How far the republics can give practical help, however, is uncertain. □ It's uncertain whether they will accept the plan. □ Students all over the country are facing an uncertain future.
3 PHRASE If you say that someone tells a person something in no uncertain terms , you are emphasizing that they say it strongly and clearly so that there is no doubt about what they mean. [EMPHASIS ] □ She told him in no uncertain terms to go away.
un|cer|tain|ty /ʌnsɜː r t ə nti/ (uncertainties ) N‑VAR Uncertainty is a state of doubt about the future or about what is the right thing to do. □ …a period of political uncertainty. □ [+ of ] …the uncertainties of life on the West Coast.
un|chal|lenged /ʌ ntʃæ l I ndʒd/
1 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] When something goes unchallenged or is unchallenged , people accept it without asking questions about whether it is right or wrong. □ These views have not gone unchallenged. □ …the unchallenged principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
2 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone's position of authority is unchallenged , you mean that it is strong and no one tries to replace them. □ He is the unchallenged leader of the strongest republic. □ …the man who has led his party unchallenged for over thirty years.
3 ADJ [ADJ after v] If you do something unchallenged , nobody stops you and asks you questions, for example about who you are or why you are doing it. □ I managed to walk around unchallenged for 10 minutes before an alert nurse spotted me.
un|change|able /ʌ ntʃe I ndʒəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is unchangeable cannot be changed at all. □ The doctrine is unchangeable. □ …a thoroughly organised and almost unchangeable system of laws and customs.
un|changed /ʌ ntʃe I ndʒd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is unchanged , it has stayed the same for a particular period of time. □ For many years prices have remained virtually unchanged.
un|chang|ing /ʌ ntʃe I ndʒ I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is unchanging always stays the same. □ …eternal and unchanging truths.
un|char|ac|ter|is|tic /ʌ nkær I ktər I st I k/ ADJ If you describe something as uncharacteristic of someone, you mean that it is not typical of them. □ [+ of ] It was uncharacteristic of her father to disappear like this. □ …an uncharacteristic lack of modesty. ● un|char|ac|ter|is|ti|cal|ly /ʌ nkær I ktər I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ Owen has been uncharacteristically silent. □ Uncharacteristically for him, he decided to have a snooze.
un|chari|table /ʌ ntʃæ r I təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's remarks, thoughts, or behaviour as uncharitable , you think they are being unkind or unfair to someone. □ This was an uncharitable assessment of the reasons for the failure.
un|chart|ed /ʌ ntʃɑː r t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation, experience, or activity as uncharted territory or waters, you mean that it is new or unfamiliar. □ Carter's fourth album definitely moves into uncharted territory. □ …a largely uncharted area of medical science.
un|checked /ʌ ntʃe kt/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something harmful or undesirable is left unchecked , nobody controls it or prevents it from growing or developing. □ If left unchecked, weeds will flourish. □ …a world in which brutality and lawlessness are allowed to go unchecked.
un|civi|lized /ʌ ns I v I la I zd/ in BRIT, also use uncivilised ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as uncivilized , you find it unacceptable, for example because it is very cruel or very rude. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The campaign has abounded in mutual accusations of uncivilised behaviour. □ I think sport involving animals is barbaric and uncivilized.
un|claimed /ʌ nkle I md/ ADJ If something is unclaimed , nobody has claimed it or said that it belongs to them. □ Her luggage remained unclaimed at Frankfurt Departures. □ …unclaimed prizes.
un|clas|si|fied /ʌ nklæ s I fa I d/
1 ADJ If information or a document is unclassified , it is not secret and is available to the general public.
2 ADJ If something is unclassified , it has not been given a grade or put into a category, for example because it is of a low or basic standard. □ …an unclassified honours degree.
un|cle ◆◆◇ /ʌ ŋk ə l/ (uncles ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Someone's uncle is the brother of their mother or father, or the husband of their aunt. □ My uncle was the mayor of Memphis. □ A text from Uncle Fred arrived.
un|clean /ʌ nkliː n/
1 ADJ Something that is unclean is dirty and likely to cause disease. □ …the Western attitude to insects as being dirty and unclean. □ By bathing in unclean water, they expose themselves to contamination.
2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as unclean , you consider them to be spiritually or morally bad. □ They felt as though they had done something discreditable and unclean. □ …unclean thoughts.
un|clear /ʌ nkl I ə r /
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is unclear , it is not known or not certain. □ It is unclear how much popular support they have among the island's population. □ Just what the soldier was doing in Bireij is unclear.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ as to wh/n, ADJ wh] If you are unclear about something, you do not understand it properly or are not sure about it. □ [+ about ] He is still unclear about his own future.
Uncle Sam /ʌ ŋk ə l sæ m/ N‑PROPER Some people refer to the United States of America or its government as Uncle Sam . [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □ They are ready to defend themselves against Uncle Sam's imperialist policies.
Uncle Tom (Uncle Toms ) N‑COUNT In the past, some black people used Uncle Tom to refer to a black man when they disapproved of him because he was too respectful or friendly towards white people. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ They had earlier caused yet deeper offence when referring to him as an Uncle Tom.
un|clothed /ʌ nkloʊ ðd/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If someone is unclothed , they are not wearing any clothes. [FORMAL ] □ He learned how to draw the unclothed human frame. □ It's considered improper to be unclothed in public.
un|clut|tered /ʌ nklʌ tə r d/ ADJ If you describe something as uncluttered , you mean that it is simple and does not contain or consist of a lot of unnecessary things. □ If you keep a room uncluttered it makes it seem lighter and bigger. □ The portraits are simple, uncluttered compositions.
un|coil /ʌ nkɔ I l/ (uncoils , uncoiling , uncoiled ) VERB If something uncoils or if you uncoil it, it becomes straight after it has been wound or curled up. If someone who is curled up uncoils , they move so that their body becomes straight. □ [V n] He uncoiled the hose and gave them a thorough drenching. □ [V ] Dan played with the tangerine peel, letting it uncoil and then coil again. □ [V ] Mack seemed to uncoil slowly up into a standing position.
un|combed /ʌ nkoʊ md/ ADJ If someone's hair is uncombed , it is untidy because it has not been brushed or combed.
un|com|fort|able /ʌ nkʌ mftəb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ -ing] If you are uncomfortable , you are slightly worried or embarrassed, and not relaxed and confident. □ The request for money made them feel uncomfortable. □ [+ with ] If you are uncomfortable with your counsellor or therapist, you must discuss it. □ I feel uncomfortable lying. [Also + about ] ● un|com|fort|ably /ʌ nkʌ mftəbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, oft ADV after v] □ Sandy leaned across the table, his face uncomfortably close to Brad's. □ He smiled uncomfortably.
2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is uncomfortable makes you feel slight pain or physical discomfort when you experience it or use it. □ Wigs are hot and uncomfortable to wear constantly. □ …an uncomfortable chair. ● un|com|fort|ably ADV [ADV adj] □ The water was uncomfortably cold.
3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are uncomfortable , you are not physically content and relaxed, and feel slight pain or discomfort. □ I sometimes feel uncomfortable after eating in the evening. □ You may find it uncomfortable to look at bright lights. ● un|com|fort|ably ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □ He felt uncomfortably hot. □ He awoke to find himself lying uncomfortably on a pile of firewood.
4 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] You can describe a situation or fact as uncomfortable when it is difficult to deal with and causes problems and worries. □ It is uncomfortable to think of our own death, but we need to. □ The decree put the president in an uncomfortable position.
un|com|mit|ted /ʌ nkəm I t I d/
1 ADJ If you are uncommitted , you have not yet decided to support a particular idea, belief, group, or person, or you are unwilling to show your support. □ The allegiance of uncommitted voters will be crucial. □ [+ to ] I was still uncommitted to the venture when we reached Kanpur. ● N‑PLURAL The uncommitted are people who are uncommitted. □ It was the uncommitted that Labour needed to reach.
2 ADJ If resources are uncommitted , it has not yet been decided what to use them for. □ …£32.3m of uncommitted loans.
un|com|mon /ʌ nkɒ mən/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as uncommon , you mean that it does not happen often or is not often seen. □ Cancer of the breast in young women is uncommon. □ A 15-year lifespan is not uncommon for a dog.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a quality, usually a good quality, as uncommon , you mean that it is unusually great in degree or amount. [LITERARY ] □ Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things. □ She read Cecelia's last letter with uncommon interest. ● un|com|mon|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □ Mary was uncommonly good at tennis.
un|com|mu|ni|ca|tive /ʌ nkəmjuː n I kət I v/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncommunicative , you are critical of them because they do not talk to other people very much and are unwilling to express opinions or give information. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ My daughter is very difficult, uncommunicative and moody.
un|com|plain|ing /ʌ nkəmple I n I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncomplaining , you approve of them because they do difficult or unpleasant things and do not complain about them. [APPROVAL ] □ He was a cheerful and uncomplaining travel companion.
un|com|pli|cat|ed /ʌ nkɒ mpl I ke I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as uncomplicated , you approve of them because they are easy to deal with or understand. [APPROVAL ] □ She is a beautiful, uncomplicated girl. □ …good, fresh British cooking with its uncomplicated, direct flavours.
un|com|pre|hend|ing /ʌ nkɒmpr I he nd I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncomprehending , you mean that they do not understand what is happening or what someone has said. □ He gave the bottle a long, uncomprehending look.
un|com|pro|mis|ing /ʌ nkɒ mprəma I z I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as uncompromising , you mean that they are determined not to change their opinions or aims in any way. □ She was a tough and uncompromising politician. ● un|com|pro|mis|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □ The company had once been uncompromisingly socialist. □ He states uncompromisingly that he is opposed to any practices which oppress animals.
2 ADJ If you describe something as uncompromising , you mean that it does not attempt to make something that is shocking or unpleasant any more acceptable to people. □ …a film of uncompromising brutality. ● un|com|pro|mis|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …the uncompromisingly modern decor.
un|con|cealed /ʌ nkənsiː ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unconcealed emotion is one that someone has made no attempt to hide. □ His message was received with unconcealed anger.
un|con|cern /ʌ nkənsɜː r n/ N‑UNCOUNT A person's unconcern is their lack of interest in or anxiety about something, often something that most people would be concerned about. □ She'd mentioned it casually once, surprising him by her unconcern.
un|con|cerned /ʌ nkənsɜː r nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a person is unconcerned about something, usually something that most people would care about, they are not interested in it or worried about it. □ [+ about ] Paul was unconcerned about what he had done. □ [+ by ] He seems totally unconcerned by real dangers.
un|con|di|tion|al /ʌ nkənd I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unconditional , you mean that the person doing or giving it does not require anything to be done by other people in exchange. □ Children need unconditional love. □ The leader of the revolt made an unconditional surrender early this morning. ● un|con|di|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The hostages were released unconditionally.
un|con|firmed /ʌ nkənfɜː r md/ ADJ If a report or a rumour is unconfirmed , there is no definite proof as to whether it is true or not. □ There are unconfirmed reports of several small villages buried by mudslides.
un|con|gen|ial /ʌ nkəndʒiː niəl/ ADJ If you describe a person or place as uncongenial , you mean that they are unfriendly and unpleasant. □ He continued to find the Simpsons uncongenial bores. □ Hollywood was an uncongenial place to work.
un|con|nect|ed /ʌ nkəne kt I d/ ADJ If one thing is unconnected with another or the two things are unconnected , the things are not related to each other in any way. □ [+ with ] She was known to have had personal problems unconnected with her job. □ I can't believe that those two murders are unconnected. [Also + to ]
un|con|scion|able /ʌnkɒ nʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unconscionable , you mean that the person responsible for it ought to be ashamed of it, especially because its effects are so great or severe. [LITERARY ] □ [+ for ] … speech that it would be unconscionable for a democratic society to suppress.
un|con|scious /ʌ nkɒ nʃəs/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] Someone who is unconscious is in a state similar to sleep, usually as the result of a serious injury or a lack of oxygen. □ By the time ambulancemen arrived he was unconscious. ● un|con|scious|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He knew that he might soon lapse into unconsciousness.
2 ADJ If you are unconscious of something, you are unaware of it. □ [+ of ] He himself seemed totally unconscious of his failure. ● un|con|scious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ He watched the game very intently and often unconsciously swung his right leg.
3 ADJ If feelings or attitudes are unconscious , you are not aware that you have them, but they show in the way that you behave. □ Unconscious envy manifests itself very often as this kind of arrogance. ● un|con|scious|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ I think racism is unconsciously inherent in practically everyone.
4 N‑SING Your unconscious is the part of your mind that contains feelings and ideas that you do not know about or cannot control. □ In examining the content of the unconscious, Freud called into question some deeply-held beliefs.
un|con|sti|tu|tion|al /ʌ nkɒnst I tjuː ʃən ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ If something is unconstitutional , it breaks the rules of a political system. □ Parliament has declared the elections unconstitutional. □ Women's rights groups argue that the ban is unconstitutional .
un|con|trol|lable /ʌ nkəntroʊ ləb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a feeling or physical action as uncontrollable , you mean that you cannot control it or prevent yourself from feeling or doing it. □ It had been a time of almost uncontrollable excitement. □ He burst into uncontrollable laughter at something I'd said. ● un|con|trol|lably /ʌ nkəntroʊ ləbli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □ I started shaking uncontrollably and began to cry.
2 ADJ If you describe a person as uncontrollable , you mean that their behaviour is bad and that nobody can make them behave more sensibly. □ Mark was withdrawn and uncontrollable. □ Uncontrollable children grow into young criminals.
3 ADJ If you describe a situation or series of events as uncontrollable , you believe that nothing can be done to control them or to prevent things from getting worse. □ If political and ethnic problems are not resolved, the situation could become uncontrollable.
un|con|trolled /ʌ nkəntroʊ ld/
1 ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone's behaviour as uncontrolled , you mean they appear unable to stop it or to make it less extreme. □ His uncontrolled behaviour disturbed the entire class. □ Julia blows her nose, but her sobbing goes on uncontrolled.
2 ADJ If a situation or activity is uncontrolled , no-one is controlling it or preventing it from continuing or growing. □ …the central bank's uncontrolled printing of money.
un|con|ven|tion|al /ʌ nkənve nʃən ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe a person or their attitude or behaviour as unconventional , you mean that they do not behave in the same way as most other people in their society. □ Linus Pauling is an unconventional genius. □ He had rather unconventional work habits, preferring to work through the night.
2 ADJ An unconventional way of doing something is not the usual way of doing it, and may be rather surprising. □ The vaccine had been produced by an unconventional technique. □ Despite his unconventional methods, he has inspired pupils more than anyone else.
un|con|vinced /ʌ nkənv I nst/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are unconvinced that something is true or right, you are not at all certain that it is true or right. □ Most consumers seem unconvinced that the recession is over.
un|con|vinc|ing /ʌ nkənv I ns I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you describe something such as an argument or explanation as unconvincing , you find it difficult to believe because it does not seem real. □ Mr Patel phoned the University for an explanation, and he was given the usual unconvincing excuses. □ To many readers it sounded unconvincing. ● un|con|vinc|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'It's not that I don't believe you, Meg,' Jack said, unconvincingly.
2 ADJ If you describe a story or a character in a story as unconvincing , you think they do not seem likely or real. □ …an unconvincing love story.
un|cooked /ʌ nkʊ kt/ ADJ Uncooked food has not yet been cooked.
un|co|opera|tive /ʌ nkoʊɒ pərət I v/ also unco-operative ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as uncooperative , you mean that they make no effort at all to help other people or to make other people's lives easier. □ She became uncooperative: unwilling to do her homework or help with any household chores. □ …a bunch of stupid, cranky, uncooperative old fools.
un|co|ordi|nat|ed /ʌ nkoʊɔː r d I ne I t I d/ also unco-ordinated
1 ADJ If you describe someone as uncoordinated you mean that their movements are not smooth or controlled. □ They were unsteady on their feet and rather uncoordinated. □ …an uncoordinated toddler.
2 ADJ If you describe actions or plans as uncoordinated , you mean they are not well-organized. □ Government action has been half-hearted and uncoordinated. □ …late, uncoordinated and piecemeal enemy responses.
un|cork /ʌ nkɔː r k/ (uncorks , uncorking , uncorked ) VERB When you uncork a bottle, you open it by pulling the cork out of it. □ [V n] Steve uncorked bottles of champagne to toast the achievement.
un|cor|robo|rat|ed /ʌ nkərɒ bəre I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uncorroborated statement or claim is not supported by any evidence or information. □ Uncorroborated confessions should no longer be accepted by courts.
un|count|able noun /ʌ nkaʊntəb ə l naʊ n/ (uncountable nouns ) N‑COUNT An uncountable noun is the same as an uncount noun .
un|count noun /ʌ nkaʊnt naʊ n/ (uncount nouns ) N‑COUNT An uncount noun is a noun such as 'gold', 'information', or 'furniture' which has only one form and can be used without a determiner.
un|couth /ʌ nkuː θ/ ADJ If you describe a person as uncouth , you mean that their behaviour is rude, noisy, and unpleasant. [DISAPPROVAL ]
un|cov|er /ʌ nkʌ və r / (uncovers , uncovering , uncovered )
1 VERB If you uncover something, especially something that has been kept secret, you discover or find out about it. □ [V n] Auditors said they had uncovered evidence of fraud.
2 VERB When people who are digging somewhere uncover something, they find a thing or a place that has been under the ground for a long time. □ [V n] Archaeologists have uncovered an 11,700-year-old hunting camp in Alaska.
3 VERB To uncover something means to remove something that is covering it. □ [V n] When the seedlings sprout, uncover the tray.
un|cov|ered /ʌ nkʌ və r d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] Something that is left uncovered does not have anything covering it. □ Minor cuts and grazes can usually be left uncovered to heal by themselves. □ The uncovered bucket in the corner stank.
un|criti|cal /ʌ nkr I t I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as uncritical , you mean that they do not judge whether someone or something is good or bad, right or wrong, before supporting or believing them. □ …the conventional notion of women as uncritical purchasers of heavily advertised products. ● un|criti|cal|ly /ʌ nkr I t I kli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ Politicians want a lap-dog press which will uncritically report their propaganda.
unc|tu|ous /ʌ ŋktʃuəs/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as unctuous , you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the kind of unctuous tone that I've heard often at diplomatic parties.
2 ADJ If you describe food or drink as unctuous , you mean that it is creamy or oily. [FORMAL ]
un|cul|ti|vat|ed /ʌ nkʌ lt I ve I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If land is uncultivated , there are no crops growing on it. □ …the flat, largely uncultivated plains. □ …an area left uncultivated to attract insects and small animals.
un|cul|tured /ʌ nkʌ ltʃə r d/ ADJ If you describe someone as uncultured , you are critical of them because they do not seem to know much about art, literature, and other cultural topics. [DISAPPROVAL ]
un|cut /ʌ nkʌ t/
1 ADJ Something that is uncut has not been cut. □ …a patch of uncut grass. □ Trees were to be left uncut, roads unpaved.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uncut book, play, or film has not had parts removed. □ We saw the uncut version of 'Caligula' when we were in Europe.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Uncut diamonds and other precious stones have not been cut into a regular shape.
un|dam|aged /ʌ ndæ m I dʒd/ ADJ Something that is undamaged has not been damaged or spoilt in any way. □ The Korean ship was apparently undamaged. □ Choose a golden-orange-coloured pineapple with undamaged leaves.
un|dat|ed /ʌ nde I t I d/ ADJ Something that is undated does not have a date written on it. □ In each packet there are batches of letters, most of which are undated.
un|daunt|ed /ʌ ndɔː nt I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are undaunted , you are not at all afraid or worried about dealing with something, especially something that would frighten or worry most people. □ [+ by ] Undaunted by the scale of the job, Lesley set about planning how each room should look.
un|de|cid|ed /ʌ nd I sa I d I d/ ADJ If someone is undecided , they cannot decide about something or have not yet decided about it. □ After university she was still undecided as to what career she wanted to pursue. □ He says he's counting on undecided voters to help him win next week's election.
un|de|feat|ed /ʌ nd I fiː t I d/ ADJ If a sports player or team is undefeated , nobody has beaten them over a particular period of time. □ She was undefeated for 13 years.
un|de|mand|ing /ʌ nd I mɑː nd I ŋ/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a job as undemanding , you mean that it does not require you to work very hard or to think a great deal about it. □ Over a tenth of the population have secure, undemanding jobs. □ The book is an enjoyable and undemanding read.
2 ADJ If you describe someone as undemanding , you mean they are easy to be with and do not ask other people to do a great deal for them. □ …an undemanding companion.
un|demo|crat|ic /ʌ ndeməkræ t I k/ ADJ A system, process, or decision that is undemocratic is one that is controlled or made by one person or a small number of people, rather than by all the people involved. □ …the undemocratic rule of the former political establishment. □ Opponents denounced the decree as undemocratic and unconstitutional.
un|de|mon|stra|tive /ʌ nd I mɒ nstrət I v/ ADJ Someone who is undemonstrative does not often show affection. □ Lady Ainslie is an undemonstrative woman who rarely touches even her own son.
un|de|ni|able /ʌ nd I na I əb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is undeniable , you mean that it is definitely true. □ Her charm is undeniable. □ The undeniable fact is that almost everyone will pay less tax. ● un|de|ni|ably /ʌ nd I na I əbli/ ADV □ Bringing up a baby is undeniably hard work.
un|der ◆◆◆ /ʌ ndə r / In addition to the uses shown below, under is also used in phrasal verbs such as 'go under' and 'knuckle under'. 1 PREP If a person or thing is under something, they are at a lower level than that thing, and may be covered or hidden by it. □ …swimming in the pool or lying under an umbrella. □ Under a wide shelf that holds coffee jars stands a pile of magazines. □ She buried her head under the covers, pretending to be asleep. □ A path runs under the trees.
2 PREP In a place such as a sea, river, or swimming pool, if someone or something is under the water, they are fully in the water and covered by it. □ They said he'd been held under the water and drowned. □ Goldfish were swimming lazily in a group just under the surface. ● ADV [ADV after v] Under is also an adverb. □ When the water was up to his neck, a hand came from behind and pushed his head under.
3 PREP If you go under something, you move from one side to the other of something that is at a higher level than you. □ He went under a brick arch. □ A river boat passed under the bridge.
4 PREP Something that is under a layer of something, especially clothing, is covered by that layer. □ I was wearing two sweaters under the green army jacket. □ It was hard to see the colours under the layer of dust.
5 PREP You can use under before a noun to indicate that a person or thing is being affected by something or is going through a particular process. □ …fishermen whose livelihoods are under threat. □ I'm rarely under pressure and my co-workers are always nice to me. □ Firefighters said they had the blaze under control. □ He was rushed to court yesterday under armed guard.
6 PREP If something happens under particular circumstances or conditions, it happens when those circumstances or conditions exist. □ His best friend was killed by police under extremely questionable circumstances. □ Under normal conditions, only about 20 to 40 per cent of vitamin E is absorbed.
7 PREP If something happens under a law, agreement, or system, it happens because that law, agreement, or system says that it should happen. □ Under law, your employer has the right to hire a temporary worker to replace you. □ Under the Constitution, you cannot be tried twice for the same crime.
8 PREP If something happens under a particular person or government, it happens when that person or government is in power. □ There would be no new taxes under his leadership. □ …the realities of life under a brutal dictatorship.
9 PREP If you study or work under a particular person, that person teaches you or tells you what to do. □ Kiefer was just one of the artists who had studied under Beuys in the early Sixties. □ I am the new manager and you will be working under me.
10 PREP If you do something under a particular name, you use that name instead of your real name. □ Were any of your books published under the name Amanda Fairchild? □ The patient was registered under a false name.
11 PREP You use under to say which section of a list, book, or system something is in. □ This study is described under 'General Diseases of the Eye'. □ 'Where would it be?'—'Filed under C, second drawer down.'
12 PREP If something or someone is under a particular age or amount, they are less than that age or amount. □ …jobs for those under 65. □ Expenditure this year should be just under 15 billion pounds. ● ADV Under is also an adverb. □ …free childminding service for 5's and under.
13 under wraps → see wrap
PREFIX under-
forms words that refer to an amount or value being too low or not enough. For example, if someone is underweight , their weight is lower than it should be.
under|achieve /ʌ ndərətʃiː v/ (underachieves , underachieving , underachieved ) VERB If someone underachieves in something such as school work or a job, they do not perform as well as they could. □ [V ] Some people might think I've underachieved in my job. ● under|achiev|er (underachievers ) N‑COUNT □ He just wanted people to stop calling him disadvantaged, an underachiever.
u n|der a ge also underage
1 ADJ A person who is under age is legally too young to do something, for example to drink alcohol, have sex, or vote. □ Police questioned the owners over how the underage youngster was let in. □ …girls who have babies when they are under age.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Under age activities such as drinking or smoking are carried out by people who are legally too young to do them. □ The town has the top rate of underage pregnancies in Britain.
under|arm /ʌ ndərɑː r m/ (underarms )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Underarm means in or for the areas under your arms, where they are joined to your body. □ …underarm deodorants. ● N‑COUNT [usu pl] Underarm is also a noun. □ Wash the feet, underarms and body surface using soap.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use underarm to describe actions, such as throwing a ball, in which you do not raise your arm above your shoulder. [BRIT ] □ …an underarm throw. ● ADV [ADV after v] Underarm is also an adverb. □ Practise throwing a ball underarm. [in AM, use underhand , underhanded ]
under|belly /ʌ ndə r beli/ (underbellies )
1 N‑COUNT The underbelly of something is the part of it that can be most easily attacked or criticized. □ [+ of ] In his view, small and medium-sized companies are the soft underbelly of the economy.
2 N‑COUNT The underbelly of an animal or a vehicle is the underneath part of it. □ [+ of ] The missiles emerge from the underbelly of the transport plane.
under|brush /ʌ ndə r brʌʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Underbrush consists of bushes and plants growing close together under trees in a forest. [AM ] □ …the cool underbrush of the rain forest. in BRIT, use undergrowth
under|carriage /ʌ ndə r kær I dʒ/ (undercarriages ) N‑COUNT The undercarriage of an aeroplane is the part, including the wheels, which supports the aeroplane when it is on the ground and when it is landing or taking off. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use landing gear
under|class /ʌ ndə r klɑːs, -klæs/ (underclasses ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A country's underclass consists of those members of its population who are poor, and who have little chance of improving their situation. □ The basic problems of the inner-city underclass are inadequate housing and lack of jobs.
under|clothes /ʌ ndə r kloʊðz/ N‑PLURAL Your underclothes are the items of clothing that you wear next to your skin and under your other clothes. □ …from multi-patterned sweaters to attractive underclothes.
under|cloth|ing /ʌ ndə r kloʊð I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Underclothing is the same as underclothes . □ …a common brand of men's underclothing.
under|coat /ʌ ndə r koʊt/ (undercoats ) N‑VAR An undercoat is a covering of paint or varnish put onto a surface as a base for a final covering of paint or varnish. Compare topcoat .
under|cov|er /ʌ ndə r kʌ və r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undercover work involves secretly obtaining information for the government or the police. □ …an undercover operation designed to catch people smugglers. □ …undercover reporters. ● ADV [ADV after v] Undercover is also an adverb. □ Swanson persuaded Hubley to work undercover to capture the killer.
under|cur|rent /ʌ ndə r kʌrənt, -kɜːr-/ (undercurrents )
1 N‑COUNT If there is an undercurrent of a feeling, you are hardly aware of the feeling, but it influences the way you think or behave. □ [+ of ] We have become quite accustomed to an undercurrent of criticism of our large grocery chains.
2 N‑COUNT An undercurrent is a strong current of water that is moving below the surface current and in a different direction to it. □ Colin tried to swim after him but the strong undercurrent swept them apart.
under|cut /ʌ ndə r kʌ t/ (undercuts , undercutting ) The form undercut is used in the present tense and is also the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you undercut someone or undercut their prices, you sell a product more cheaply than they do. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] The firm will be able to undercut its competitors whilst still making a profit. □ [V n] …promises to undercut air fares on some routes by 40 per cent.
2 VERB [usu passive] If your attempts to achieve something are undercut by something, that thing prevents your attempts from being effective. □ [be V -ed] Popular support would be undercut by political developments.
under|de|vel|oped /ʌ ndə r d I ve ləpt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An underdeveloped country or region does not have modern industries and usually has a low standard of living. Some people prefer to use the term developing . □ Underdeveloped countries should be assisted by allowing them access to modern technology. □ …public-health problems in the underdeveloped world.
under|dog /ʌ ndə r dɒg, [AM ] -dɔːg/ (underdogs ) N‑COUNT The underdog in a competition or situation is the person who seems least likely to succeed or win. □ Most of the crowd were cheering for the underdog to win just this one time.
under|done /ʌ ndə r dʌ n/ ADJ Underdone food has been cooked for less time than necessary, and so is not pleasant to eat. □ The second batch of bread came out underdone. □ …underdone meat.
under|em|ployed /ʌ ndər I mplɔ I d/ ADJ If someone is underemployed , they have not got enough work to do, or their work does not make full use of their skills or abilities.
under|es|ti|mate /ʌ ndəre st I me I t/ (underestimates , underestimating , underestimated )
1 VERB If you underestimate something, you do not realize how large or great it is or will be. □ [V n] None of us should ever underestimate the degree of difficulty women face in career advancement. □ [V wh] Never underestimate what you can learn from a group of like-minded people. ● under|es|ti|ma|tion /ʌ ndərest I me I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] □ [+ of ] …a serious underestimation of harm to the environment.
2 VERB If you underestimate someone, you do not realize what they are capable of doing. □ [V n] The first lesson I learnt as a soldier was never to underestimate the enemy.
under|ex|posed /ʌ ndər I kspoʊ zd/ ADJ If a photograph is underexposed , it is darker than it should be because the film was not exposed to enough light.
under|fed /ʌ ndə r fe d/ ADJ People who are underfed do not get enough food to eat. □ Kate still looks pale and underfed. □ …ill-trained and underfed young soldiers.
under|fi|nanced /ʌ ndə r fa I nænst/ also under-financed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Underfinanced means the same as underfunded . □ From the beginning, the project was underfinanced.
under|foot /ʌ ndə r fʊ t/
1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] You describe something as being underfoot when you are standing or walking on it. □ …a room, high and square with carpet underfoot and tapestries on the walls. □ It was still wet underfoot.
2 ADV [ADV after v] If you trample or crush something underfoot , you spoil or destroy it by stepping on it. □ …a mobile phone that has been crushed underfoot.
under|fund|ed /ʌ ndə r fʌ nd I d/ also under-funded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] An organization or institution that is underfunded does not have enough money to spend, and so it cannot function properly. □ For years we have argued that the health service is underfunded. □ …underfunded pensions.
under|gar|ment /ʌ ndə r gɑː r mənt/ (undergarments ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Undergarments are items of clothing that you wear next to your skin and under your other clothes. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
under|go /ʌ ndə r goʊ / (undergoes , undergoing , underwent , undergone ) VERB If you undergo something necessary or unpleasant, it happens to you. □ [V n] New recruits have been undergoing training in recent weeks. □ [V n] He underwent an agonising 48-hour wait for the results of tests.
under|grad /ʌ ndə r græd/ (undergrads ) N‑COUNT An undergrad is the same as an undergraduate . [INFORMAL ]
under|gradu|ate /ʌ ndə r græ dʒuət/ (undergraduates ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] An undergraduate is a student at a university or college who is studying for his or her first degree. □ Economics undergraduates are probably the brightest in the university. □ …undergraduate degree programmes.
under|ground ◆◇◇ The adverb is pronounced /ʌ ndə r graʊ nd/. The noun and adjective are pronounced /ʌ ndə r graʊnd/. 1 ADV [ADV after v] Something that is underground is below the surface of the ground. □ Solid low-level waste will be disposed of deep underground. □ The plane hit so hard that one engine was buried 16 feet underground. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Underground is also an adjective. □ …a run-down shopping area with an underground car park. □ …underground water pipes.
2 N‑SING [oft by N ] The underground in a city is the railway system in which electric trains travel below the ground in tunnels. [BRIT ] □ …a woman alone in the underground waiting for a train. □ He crossed London by underground. in AM, use subway 3 N‑SING In a country which is controlled by an enemy or has a harsh government, the underground is an organized group of people who are involved in illegal activities against the people in power. □ These U.S. dollars were smuggled into the country during the war, to aid the underground.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Underground groups and activities are secret because their purpose is to oppose the government and they are illegal. □ They are accused of organising and financing an underground youth movement.
5 ADV [ADV after v] If you go underground , you hide from the authorities or the police because your political ideas or activities are illegal. □ After the violent clashes of 1981 they either went underground or left the country.
under|growth /ʌ ndə r groʊθ/ N‑UNCOUNT Undergrowth consists of bushes and plants growing together under the trees in a forest. [BRIT ] □ …plunging through the undergrowth. in AM, use underbrush
under|hand /ʌ ndə r hæ nd/ or underhanded /ʌ ndə r hæ ndid/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If an action is underhand or if it is done in an underhand way, it is done secretly and dishonestly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …underhand financial deals. □ …a list of the underhanded ways in which their influence operates in the United States. □ She accused the government of being underhand.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use underhand or underhanded to describe actions, such as throwing a ball, in which you do not raise your arm above your shoulder. [AM ] □ …an underhanded pitch. ● ADV [ADV after v] Underhand is also an adverb. □ In softball, pitches are tossed underhand. [in BRIT, use underarm ]
under|lay (underlays ) The noun is pronounced /ʌ ndə r le I /. The verb is pronounced /ʌ ndə r le I /. 1 N‑VAR Underlay is a layer of thick material that you place between a carpet and the floor to protect the carpet and make it feel warmer and softer. [BRIT ]
2 Underlay is the past tense of underlie .
under|lie /ʌ ndə r la I / (underlies , underlying , underlay , underlain )
1 VERB If something underlies a feeling or situation, it is the cause or basis of it. □ [V n] Try to figure out what feeling underlies your anger.
2 → see also underlying
under|line /ʌ ndə r la I n/ (underlines , underlining , underlined )
1 VERB If one thing, for example an action or an event, underlines another, it draws attention to it and emphasizes its importance. □ [V n] The report underlined his concern that standards were at risk. □ [V wh] But the incident underlines how easily things can go wrong. [Also V that]
2 VERB If you underline something such as a word or a sentence, you draw a line underneath it in order to make people notice it or to give it extra importance. □ [V n] Take two coloured pens and underline the positive and negative words.
under|ling /ʌ ndə r l I ŋ/ (underlings ) N‑COUNT You refer to someone as an underling when they are inferior in rank or status to someone else and take orders from them. You use this word to show that you do not respect someone. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …underlings who do the dirty work.
under|ly|ing /ʌ ndə r la I I ŋ/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] The underlying features of an object, event, or situation are not obvious, and it may be difficult to discover or reveal them. □ To stop a problem you have to understand its underlying causes. □ I think that the underlying problem is education, unemployment and bad housing.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You describe something as underlying when it is below the surface of something else. □ …hills with the hard underlying rock poking through the turf.
3 → see also underlie
under|manned /ʌ ndə r mæ nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an organization is undermanned , it does not have enough employees to function properly. □ In some stores we were undermanned and customer service was suffering.
under|mine ◆◇◇ /ʌ ndə r ma I n/ (undermines , undermining , undermined )
1 VERB If you undermine something such as a feeling or a system, you make it less strong or less secure than it was before, often by a gradual process or by repeated efforts. □ [V n] Offering advice on each and every problem will undermine her feeling of being adult. □ [V n] Western intelligence agencies are accused of trying to undermine the government.
2 VERB If you undermine someone or undermine their position or authority, you make their authority or position less secure, often by indirect methods. □ [V n] She undermined him and destroyed his confidence in his own talent. □ [V n] The conversations were designed to undermine her authority.
3 VERB If you undermine someone's efforts or undermine their chances of achieving something, you behave in a way that makes them less likely to succeed. □ [V n] The continued fighting threatens to undermine efforts to negotiate an agreement.
under|neath /ʌ ndə r niː θ/
1 PREP If one thing is underneath another, it is directly under it, and may be covered or hidden by it. □ The device exploded underneath a van. □ …using dogs to locate people trapped underneath collapsed buildings. □ …a table for two underneath the olive trees. □ Her apartment was underneath a bar, called 'The Lift'. ● ADV [n ADV , ADV after v, be ADV , from ADV ] Underneath is also an adverb. □ He has on a denim shirt with a T-shirt underneath. □ …if we could maybe pull back a bit of this carpet to see what's underneath.
2 ADV [ADV after v] The part of something which is underneath is the part which normally touches the ground or faces towards the ground. □ Check the actual construction of the chair by looking underneath. □ His bare feet were smooth on top and rough-skinned underneath. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Underneath is also an adjective. □ Some objects had got entangled with the underneath mechanism of the engine. ● N‑SING Underneath is also a noun. □ [+ of ] Now I know what the underneath of a car looks like.
3 ADV You use underneath when talking about feelings and emotions that people do not show in their behaviour. □ He was as violent as Nick underneath. ● PREP Underneath is also a preposition. □ Underneath his outgoing behaviour Luke was shy.
under|nour|ished /ʌ ndə r nʌ r I ʃt, [AM ] -nɜː r-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is undernourished , they are weak and unhealthy because they have not been eating enough food or the right kind of food. □ …undernourished children.
under|nour|ish|ment /ʌ ndə r nʌ r I ʃmənt, [AM ] -nɜː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is suffering from undernourishment , they have poor health because they have not been eating enough food or are eating the wrong kind of food.
under|paid /ʌ ndə r pe I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] People who are underpaid are not paid enough money for the job that they do. □ Women are frequently underpaid for the work that they do. □ …underpaid factory workers.
under|pants /ʌ ndə r pænts/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Underpants are a piece of underwear which have two holes to put your legs through and elastic around the top to hold them up round your waist or hips. In British English, underpants refers to only men's underwear, but in American English it refers to both men's and women's.
under|pass /ʌ ndə r pɑːs, -pæs/ (underpasses ) N‑COUNT An underpass is a road or path that goes underneath a railway or another road. □ The Hanger Lane underpass was closed through flooding.
under|pin /ʌ ndə r p I n/ (underpins , underpinning , underpinned ) VERB If one thing underpins another, it helps the other thing to continue or succeed by supporting and strengthening it. □ [V n] …mystical themes that underpin all religions. ● under|pin|ning (underpinnings ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the economic underpinning of ancient Mexican society. □ [+ of ] Many questioned the moral underpinnings of our financial dealings with each other.
under|play /ʌ ndə r ple I / (underplays , underplaying , underplayed ) VERB If you underplay something, you make it seem less important than it really is. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n] We often underplay the skills we have. □ [V n] The problem of corruption was, and still is, often underplayed. in AM, usually use play down
under|popu|lat|ed /ʌ ndə r pɒ pjʊle I t I d/ ADJ You describe a country or region as underpopulated when it could support a much larger population than it has. □ Many of the islands are mainly wild and underpopulated.
under|privi|leged /ʌ ndə r pr I v I l I dʒd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Underprivileged people have less money and fewer possessions and opportunities than other people in their society. □ …helping underprivileged children to learn to read. □ …the hideous effects of government cuts on underprivileged families. ● N‑PLURAL The underprivileged are people who are underprivileged. □ …government plans to make more jobs available to the underprivileged.
under|rate /ʌ ndə r re I t/ (underrates , underrating , underrated ) VERB If you underrate someone or something, you do not recognize how clever, important, or significant they are. □ [V n] We women have a lot of good business skills, although we tend to underrate ourselves. □ [V n] He underrated the seriousness of William's head injury. ● under|rat|ed ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ He is a very underrated poet.
under|score /ʌ ndə r skɔː r / (underscores , underscoring , underscored )
1 VERB If something such as an action or an event underscores another, it draws attention to the other thing and emphasizes its importance. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] The Labor Department figures underscore the shaky state of the economic recovery. [Also V that] in BRIT, usually use underline 2 VERB If you underscore something such as a word or a sentence, you draw a line underneath it in order to make people notice it or give it extra importance. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] He heavily underscored his note to Shelley. in BRIT, usually use underline
under|sea /ʌ ndə r siː/ ADJ [ADJ n] Undersea things or activities exist or happen below the surface of the sea. □ …an undersea pipeline running to Europe. □ …undersea exploration.
u nder-se cretary (under-secretaries ) also undersecretary N‑COUNT An under-secretary is a senior official with an important post in a government department. □ She served as under-secretary of state for health and social care.
under|shirt /ʌ ndə r ʃɜː r t/ (undershirts ) N‑COUNT An undershirt is a piece of clothing that you wear on the top half of your body next to your skin in order to keep warm. [AM ] □ He put on a pair of short pants and an undershirt. in BRIT, use vest
under|side /ʌ ndə r sa I d/ (undersides ) N‑COUNT The underside of something is the part of it which normally faces towards the ground. □ [+ of ] …the underside of the car.
under|signed /ʌ ndə r sa I nd/ ADJ [ADJ n] On a legal document, the undersigned people are the ones who have signed their names at the bottom of the document. [LEGAL ] □ The undersigned buyers agree to pay a 5,000 pound deposit. ● N‑PLURAL The undersigned are the people who have signed a legal document. □ …we the undersigned, all prominent doctors in our fields.
under|sized /ʌ ndə r sa I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undersized people or things are smaller than usual, or smaller than they should be. □ …undersized and underweight babies. □ They squashed into an undersized reception room. □ He was undersized, as were all the local children I was to meet.
under|spend /ʌ ndə r spend/ (underspends , underspending , underspent ) VERB If an organization or country underspends , it spends less money than it plans to or less money than it can afford. □ [V + on ] …a country that underspends on health and overspends on statisticians. [Also V n] ● N‑COUNT Underspend is also a noun. □ [+ in ] There has been an underspend in the department's budget. [Also + on ]
under|staffed /ʌ ndə r stɑː ft, -stæ ft/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an organization is understaffed , it does not have enough employees to do its work properly. □ Many institutions offering child care are understaffed and underequipped. □ …an understaffed police force.
under|stand ◆◆◆ /ʌ ndə r stæ nd/ (understands , understanding , understood )
1 VERB [no cont] If you understand someone or understand what they are saying, you know what they mean. □ [V n] Rusty nodded as though she understood the old woman. □ [V wh] I don't understand what you are talking about. □ [make pron-refl V -ed] He was speaking poor English, trying to make himself understood.
2 VERB [no cont] If you understand a language, you know what someone is saying when they are speaking that language. □ [V n] I couldn't read or understand a word of Yiddish, so I asked him to translate.
3 VERB [no cont] To understand someone means to know how they feel and why they behave in the way that they do. □ [V n] It would be nice to have someone who really understood me, a friend. □ [V n] Trish had not exactly understood his feelings. □ [V wh] She understands why I get tired and grumpy.
4 VERB [no cont] You say that you understand something when you know why or how it happens. □ [V wh] They are too young to understand what is going on. □ [V n] It is worth making the effort to understand how investment trusts work.
5 VERB [no cont] If you understand that something is the case, you think it is true because you have heard or read that it is. You can say that something is understood to be the case to mean that people generally think it is true. □ [V that] We understand that she's in the studio recording her second album. □ [V it ] The idea, as I understand it, is to make science more relevant. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The management is understood to be very unwilling to agree to this request. □ [be V -ed that] It is understood that the veteran reporter had a heart attack.
6 PHRASE If someone is given to understand that something is the case, it is communicated to them that it is the case, usually without them being told directly. □ I am given to understand that he was swearing throughout the game at our fans.
7 CONVENTION You can use understand in expressions like do you understand? or is that understood? after you have told someone what you want, to make sure that they have understood you and will obey you. □ You do not criticize my grandchildren, do you understand? □ I don't need it, understand? □ I don't want to hear another word about it. Is that understood, Emma?
under|stand|able /ʌ ndə r stæ ndəb ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or feelings as understandable , you think that they have reacted to a situation in a natural way or in the way you would expect. □ His unhappiness was understandable. ● under|stand|ably /ʌ ndə r stæ ndəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ The duke is understandably proud of Lady Helen and her achievements. □ Most organizations are, quite understandably, suspicious of new ideas.
2 ADJ If you say that something such as a statement or theory is understandable , you mean that people can easily understand it. □ She writes in a simple and understandable way.
under|stand|ing ◆◇◇ /ʌ ndə r stæ nd I ŋ/ (understandings )
1 N‑VAR If you have an understanding of something, you know how it works or know what it means. □ [+ of ] They have to have a basic understanding of computers in order to use the advanced technology.
2 ADJ If you are understanding towards someone, you are kind and forgiving. □ Her boss, who was very understanding, gave her time off. □ Fortunately for John, he had an understanding partner.
3 N‑UNCOUNT If you show understanding , you show that you realize how someone feels or why they did something, and are not hostile towards them. □ We would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.
4 N‑UNCOUNT If there is understanding between people, they are friendly towards each other and trust each other. □ [+ between ] There was complete understanding between Wilson and myself.
5 N‑COUNT An understanding is an informal agreement about something. □ [+ between ] We had not set a date for marriage but there was an understanding between us.
6 N‑SING [oft N that] If you say that it is your understanding that something is the case, you mean that you believe it to be the case because you have heard or read that it is. □ It is my understanding that this torture has been going on for many years.
7 PHRASE If you agree to do something on the understanding that something is true, you do it because you have been told that the other thing is definitely true. □ We paid £1,000 on the understanding that the price included all of the above.
under|state /ʌ ndə r ste I t/ (understates , understating , understated ) VERB If you understate something, you describe it in a way that suggests that it is less important or serious than it really is. □ [V n] The government chooses deliberately to understate the increase in prices.
under|stat|ed /ʌ ndə r ste I t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a style, colour, or effect as understated , you mean that it is not obvious. □ I have always liked understated clothes. □ …his typically understated humour.
under|state|ment /ʌ ndə r ste I tmənt/ (understatements )
1 N‑COUNT If you say that a statement is an understatement , you mean that it does not fully express the extent to which something is true. □ To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. □ [+ of ] He was getting very hard to live with, and that's the understatement of the year.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Understatement is the practice of suggesting that things have much less of a particular quality than they really have. □ He informed us with massive understatement that he was feeling disappointed. □ …typical British understatement.
under|stood /ʌ ndə r stʊ d/ Understood is the past tense and past participle of understand .
under|study /ʌ ndə r stʌdi/ (understudies ) N‑COUNT An actor's or actress's understudy is the person who has learned their part in a play and can act the part if the actor or actress is ill. □ [+ to ] He was an understudy to Charlie Chaplin on a tour of the U.S.A…
under|take /ʌ ndə r te I k/ (undertakes , undertaking , undertook , undertaken )
1 VERB When you undertake a task or job, you start doing it and accept responsibility for it. □ [V n] She undertook the arduous task of monitoring the elections.
2 VERB If you undertake to do something, you promise that you will do it. □ [V to-inf] He undertook to edit the text himself.
under|tak|er /ʌ ndə r te I kə r / (undertakers ) N‑COUNT An undertaker is a person whose job is to deal with the bodies of people who have died and to arrange funerals.
under|tak|ing /ʌ ndə r te I k I ŋ/ (undertakings )
1 N‑COUNT An undertaking is a task or job, especially a large or difficult one. □ Organizing the show has been a massive undertaking.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] If you give an undertaking to do something, you formally promise to do it. □ When he delivered his budget he gave an undertaking to increase spending on health.
under|tone /ʌ ndə r toʊn/ (undertones )
1 N‑COUNT [in N ] If you say something in an undertone , you say it very quietly. □ 'What d'you think?' she asked in an undertone. □ Well-dressed clients were talking in polite undertones as they ate.
2 N‑COUNT If something has undertones of a particular kind, it suggests ideas or attitudes of this kind without expressing them directly. □ …a witty, racy story with surprisingly serious undertones.
under|took /ʌ ndə r tʊ k/ Undertook is the past tense of undertake .
under|tow /ʌ ndə r toʊ/ (undertows )
1 N‑COUNT If there is an undertow of a feeling, that feeling exists in such a weak form that you are hardly aware of it, but it influences the way you think or behave. □ [+ of ] …an undertow of sadness.
2 N‑COUNT An undertow is a strong current of water that is moving below the surface current and in a different direction to it.
under|used /ʌ ndə r juː zd/ also under-used ADJ Something useful that is underused is not used as much for people's benefit as it could be. □ At present many schools' sports grounds are grossly underused. □ …areas where muscles are underused and underdeveloped. □ …underused land.
under|uti|lized /ʌ ndə r juː t I la I zd/ in BRIT, also use underutilised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Underutilized is a more formal word for underused . □ They had to sell off 10 percent of all underutilized farmland.
under|value /ʌ ndə r væ ljuː/ (undervalues , undervaluing , undervalued ) VERB If you undervalue something or someone, you fail to recognize how valuable or important they are. □ [V n] We must never undervalue freedom. ● under|val|ued ADJ □ Even the best teacher can feel undervalued.
under|wa|ter /ʌ ndə r wɔː tə r /
1 ADV [ADV after v, n ADV ] Something that exists or happens underwater exists or happens below the surface of the sea, a river, or a lake. □ …giant submarines able to travel at high speeds underwater. □ Some stretches of beach are completely underwater at high tide. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Underwater is also an adjective. □ …underwater exploration. □ …a retired underwater photographer.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Underwater devices are specially made so that they can work in water. □ …underwater camera equipment. □ …a pool of clear water lit by underwater lights.
u n|der wa y also underway ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an activity is under way , it has already started. If an activity gets under way , it starts. □ An investigation is underway to find out how the disaster happened. □ The conference gets under way later today with a debate on the family.
under|wear /ʌ ndə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT Underwear is clothing such as vests and pants which you wear next to your skin under your other clothes. □ …a couple who went for a late-night swim in their underwear. □ …a change of underwear.
under|weight /ʌ ndəwe I t/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is underweight , they are too thin, and therefore not healthy. □ Nearly a third of the children were severely underweight.
under|went /ʌ ndə r we nt/ Underwent is the past tense of undergo .
under|whelmed /ʌ ndə r h we lmd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are underwhelmed by something, you are not impressed or excited by it. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ by ] He was underwhelmed by the prospect of meeting the Queen.
under|whelm|ing /ʌ ndə r h we lm I ŋ/ ADJ If you use underwhelming to describe the response or reaction to something, you mean that people were not very impressed or excited by it. [INFORMAL ] □ …the distinctly underwhelming response to their second album.
under|world /ʌ ndə r wɜː r ld/
1 N‑SING [oft N n, n N ] The underworld in a city is the organized crime there and the people who are involved in it. □ Some claim that she still has connections to the criminal underworld. □ …a wealthy businessman with underworld connections.
2 N‑SING In many ancient religions and legends, the underworld is a place under the earth's surface where people go after they die. □ …Persephone, goddess of the underworld.
under|write /ʌ ndə r ra I t/ (underwrites , underwriting , underwrote , underwritten ) VERB If an institution or company underwrites an activity or underwrites the cost of it, they agree to provide any money that is needed to cover losses or buy special equipment, often for an agreed fee. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] The government will have to create a special agency to underwrite small business loans.
under|writ|er /ʌ ndə r ra I tə r / (underwriters )
1 N‑COUNT An underwriter is someone whose job involves agreeing to provide money for a particular activity or to pay for any losses that are made. [BUSINESS ] □ If the market will not buy the shares, the underwriter buys them.
2 N‑COUNT An underwriter is someone whose job is to judge the risks involved in certain activities and decide how much to charge for insurance. [BUSINESS ]
un|de|served /ʌ nd I zɜː r vd/ ADJ If you describe something such as a reaction, treatment, or result as undeserved , you mean that the person who experiences it has not earned it and should not really have it. □ Douglas has an undeserved reputation for being dull and dry. □ Jim's treatment was harsh and undeserved.
un|de|sir|able /ʌ nd I za I ə rəb ə l/ (undesirables )
1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as undesirable , you do not want them or you think they are harmful. □ We have come to view sweating as an undesirable and socially unacceptable activity. □ A large group of undesirable strangers crashed her party.
2 N‑COUNT Undesirables are people who a particular government considers to be dangerous or a threat to society, and therefore wants to get rid of. □ Police were on hand to prevent undesirables from entering.
un|de|tect|ed /ʌ nd I te kt I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If you are undetected or if you do something undetected , people do not find out where you are or what you are doing. □ …the spy ring had a fifth member as yet still undetected. □ They managed to get away from the coast undetected. □ …an undetected cancer.
un|de|vel|oped /ʌ nd I ve ləpt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An undeveloped country or region does not have modern industries and usually has a low standard of living. □ The big losers will be the undeveloped countries.
2 ADJ Undeveloped land has not been built on or used for activities such as mining and farming. □ Vast tracts of the country are wild and undeveloped. □ …the world's largest undeveloped gold deposit outside of South Africa.
un|did /ʌ nd I d/ Undid is the past tense of undo .
un|dies /ʌ ndiz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] You can refer to a woman's or girl's underwear as their undies . [INFORMAL ]
un|dig|ni|fied /ʌnd I gn I fa I d/ ADJ If you describe someone's actions as undignified , you mean they are foolish or embarrassing. □ It is sad to see a county confine its activities to undignified public bickering. □ All this public outpouring is so undignified.
un|di|lut|ed /ʌ nda I luː t I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's feelings or characteristics as undiluted , you are emphasizing that they are very strong and not mixed with any other feeling or quality. □ I will look back at this one with undiluted pleasure. □ Her Irish accent, after thirty-odd years in London, is undiluted.
2 ADJ A liquid that is undiluted has not been made weak by mixing it with water.
un|dis|ci|plined /ʌ nd I s I pl I nd/ ADJ If you describe someone as undisciplined , you mean that they behave badly or in a disorganized way. □ …a noisy and undisciplined group of students. □ Teachers often view youth workers as undisciplined and ineffectual.
un|dis|closed /ʌnd I skloʊ zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undisclosed information is not revealed to the public. □ The company has been sold for an undisclosed amount.
un|dis|cov|ered /ʌ nd I skʌ və r d/ ADJ Something that is undiscovered has not been discovered or noticed. □ Some of the islands in the western Pacific Ocean are an undiscovered gem. □ This site remained undiscovered, though long sought, until recent times.
un|dis|guised /ʌ nd I sga I zd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's feelings as undisguised , you mean that they show them openly and do not make any attempt to hide them. □ Hean looked down at Bauer in undisguised disgust. □ By mid-season the hostility between the two was undisguised.
un|dis|mayed /ʌ nd I sme I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is undismayed by something unpleasant or unexpected, you mean that they do not feel any fear, worry, or sadness about it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ by ] He was undismayed by the prospect of failure.
un|dis|put|ed /ʌ nd I spjuː t I d/
1 ADJ If you describe a fact or opinion as undisputed , you are trying to persuade someone that it is generally accepted as true or correct. □ …the undisputed fact that he had broken the law. □ …his undisputed genius.
2 ADJ If you describe someone as the undisputed leader or champion, you mean that everyone accepts their position as leader or champion. □ At 78 years of age, he's still undisputed leader of his country. □ …after 10 years of undisputed power.
un|dis|tin|guished /ʌ nd I st I ŋgw I ʃt/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as undistinguished , you mean they are not attractive, interesting, or successful. □ …his short and undistinguished career as an art student.
un|dis|turbed /ʌ nd I stɜː r bd/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] Something that remains undisturbed is not touched, moved, or used by anyone. □ The desk looked undisturbed. □ Peonies react badly to being moved and are best left undisturbed.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] A place that is undisturbed is peaceful and has not been affected by changes that have happened in other places. □ In the Balearics, pockets of rural life and inland villages are undisturbed. □ The war had not left Bargate undisturbed.
3 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If you are undisturbed in something that you are doing, you are able to continue doing it and are not affected by something that is happening. □ I can spend the whole day undisturbed at the warehouse. □ There was a small restaurant on Sullivan Street where we could talk undisturbed. □ They want undisturbed rest.
4 ADJ If someone is undisturbed by something, it does not affect, bother, or upset them. □ [+ by ] Victoria was strangely undisturbed by this symptom.
un|di|vid|ed /ʌ nd I va I d I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you give someone or something your undivided attention, you concentrate on them fully and do not think about anything else. □ Eldest children are the only ones to have experienced the undivided attention of their parents. □ …any task that requires undivided concentration.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Undivided feelings are ones that are very strong and not mixed with other feelings. □ The paintings she produced in those months won undivided admiration. □ He has my undivided loyalty.
3 ADJ An undivided country or organization is one that is not separated into smaller parts or groups. □ Many feel this should be a single, undivided country of its own. □ …the goal of an undivided Church.
undo /ʌ nduː / (undoes , undoing , undid , undone )
1 VERB If you undo something that is closed, tied, or held together, or if you undo the thing holding it, you loosen or remove the thing holding it. □ [V n] I managed secretly to undo a corner of the parcel. □ [V -ed] Some clamps that had held the device together came undone.
2 VERB To undo something that has been done means to reverse its effect. □ [V n] She knew it would be difficult to undo the damage that had been done. □ [V n] If Michael won, he would undo everything I have fought for.
3 → see also undoing , undone
un|do|ing /ʌ nduː I ŋ/
1 N‑SING [with poss] If something is someone's undoing , it is the cause of their failure. □ His lack of experience may prove to be his undoing.
2 → see also undo
un|done /ʌ ndʌ n/
1 ADJ [ADJ after v] Work that is undone has not yet been done. □ He left nothing undone that needed attention.
2 → see also undo
un|doubt|ed /ʌndaʊ t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use undoubted to emphasize that something exists or is true. [EMPHASIS ] □ The event was an undoubted success. □ …a man of your undoubted ability. ● un|doubt|ed|ly ADV [ADV before v] □ Undoubtedly, political and economic factors have played their part. □ Hanley is undoubtedly a great player.
un|dreamed of /ʌ ndriː md ɒv, [AM ] - ʌv/ also undreamed-of in BRIT, also use undreamt-of ADJ If you describe something as undreamed of , you are emphasizing that it is much better, worse, or more unusual than you thought was possible. [EMPHASIS ] □ This new design will offer undreamed-of levels of comfort, safety and speed. □ They have freedoms that were undreamed-of even ten years ago.
un|dress /ʌ ndre s/ (undresses , undressing , undressed ) VERB When you undress or undress someone, you take off your clothes or someone else's clothes. □ [V ] She went out, leaving Rachel to undress and have her shower. □ [V n] She undressed the child before putting her in the tin bath.
un|dressed /ʌ ndre st/ ADJ If you are undressed , you are wearing no clothes or your night clothes. If you get undressed , you take off your clothes. □ Fifteen minutes later he was undressed and in bed. □ He got undressed in the bathroom.
un|due /ʌ ndjuː , [AM ] -duː / ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something bad as undue , you mean that it is greater or more extreme than you think is reasonable or appropriate. □ This would help the families to survive the drought without undue suffering. □ It is unrealistic to put undue pressure on ourselves by saying we are the best.
un|du|late /ʌ ndʒʊle I t/ (undulates , undulating , undulated ) VERB Something that undulates has gentle curves or slopes, or moves gently and slowly up and down or from side to side in an attractive manner. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] As we travel south, the countryside begins to undulate. □ [V ] His body slowly undulated in time to the music. [Also V n] ● un|du|lat|ing ADJ □ …gently undulating hills.
un|du|ly /ʌ ndjuː li, [AM ] -duː li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] If you say that something does not happen or is not done unduly , you mean that it does not happen or is not done to an excessive or unnecessary extent. □ 'But you're not unduly worried about doing this report?'—'No.' □ He appealed to firms not to increase their prices unduly.
un|dy|ing /ʌnda I I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you refer to someone's undying feelings, you mean that the feelings are very strong and are unlikely to change. [LITERARY ] □ Dianne declared her undying love for Sam. □ He had won her undying gratitude.
un|earned in|come /ʌ nɜː r nd I ŋkʌm/ N‑UNCOUNT Unearned income is money that people gain from interest or profit from property or investment, rather than money that they earn from a job. □ Reduction in the tax on unearned income could be a boost for small businesses.
un|earth /ʌ nɜː r θ/ (unearths , unearthing , unearthed )
1 VERB If someone unearths facts or evidence about something bad, they discover them with difficulty, usually because they were being kept secret or were being lied about. □ [V n] Researchers have unearthed documents linking her to the forced adoption of children.
2 VERB If someone unearths something that is buried, they find it by digging in the ground. □ [V n] Fossil hunters have unearthed the bones of an elephant believed to be 500,000 years old.
3 VERB If you say that someone has unearthed something, you mean that they have found it after it had been hidden or lost for some time. □ [V n] From somewhere, he had unearthed a black silk suit.
un|earth|ly /ʌnɜː r θli/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use unearthly to describe something that seems very strange and unnatural. □ For a few seconds we watched the unearthly lights on the water. □ The sound was so serene that it seemed unearthly.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a time as an unearthly hour, you are emphasizing that it is very early in the morning. [EMPHASIS ] □ They arranged to meet in Riverside Park at the unearthly hour of seven in the morning.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unearthly noise is unpleasant because it sounds frightening and unnatural. □ She heard the sirens scream their unearthly wail.
un|ease /ʌ niː z/
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you have a feeling of unease , you feel rather anxious or afraid, because you think that something is wrong. □ [+ about ] Tommy began to feel deep unease about Gabe's story. □ We left with a deep sense of unease, because we knew something was being hidden from us.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there is unease in a situation, you mean that people are dissatisfied or angry, but have not yet started to take any action. □ [+ among ] He faces growing unease among ministers about the likelihood of war. □ [+ about ] …the depth of public unease about the economy.
un|easy /ʌniː zi/
1 ADJ If you are uneasy , you feel anxious, afraid, or embarrassed, because you think that something is wrong or that there is danger. □ He looked uneasy and refused to answer questions. □ I had an uneasy feeling that he was going to spoil it. ● un|easi|ly /ʌniː z I li/ ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □ Meg shifted uneasily on her chair. □ He laughed uneasily. ● un|easi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ With a small degree of uneasiness, he pushed it open and stuck his head inside.
2 ADJ If you are uneasy about doing something, you are not sure that it is correct or wise. □ [+ about ] Richard was uneasy about how best to approach his elderly mother. ● un|easi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ about ] I felt a great uneasiness about meeting her again.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or relationship as uneasy , you mean that the situation is not settled and may not last. [JOURNALISM ] □ An uneasy calm has settled over the city. □ The uneasy alliance between these two men offered a glimmer of hope. ● un|easi|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV adj] □ …a country whose component parts fit uneasily together.
un|eco|nom|ic /ʌ niːkənɒ m I k, -ek-/
1 ADJ If you describe something such as an industry or business as uneconomic , you mean that it does not produce enough profit. [BUSINESS ] □ …the closure of uneconomic factories. □ The company said the service was uneconomic.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that an action or plan is uneconomic , you think it will cost a lot of money and not be successful or not be worth the expense. □ It would be uneconomic to try and repair it.
un|eco|nomi|cal /ʌ niːkənɒ m I k ə l, -ek-/ ADJ If you say that an action, a method, or a product is uneconomical , you mean that it does not make a profit. [BUSINESS ] □ It would be uneconomical to send a brand new book. □ The methods employed are old-fashioned and uneconomical. □ Even the successful flying boats proved, in the end, uneconomical.
un|edu|cat|ed /ʌ ne dʒʊke I t I d/ ADJ Someone who is uneducated has not received much education. □ Though an uneducated man, Chavez was not a stupid one. ● N‑PLURAL The uneducated are people who are uneducated. □ The poor and uneducated did worst under these reforms.
un|emo|tion|al /ʌ n I moʊ ʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unemotional , you mean that they do not show any feelings. □ British men are often seen as being reserved and unemotional. □ She began to read in a brisk, unemotional voice. ● un|emo|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ McKinnon looked at him unemotionally.
un|em|ploya|ble /ʌ n I mplɔ I əb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is unemployable does not have a job and is unlikely to get a job, because they do not have the skills or abilities that an employer might want. □ He freely admits he is unemployable and will probably never find a job.
un|em|ployed /ʌ n I mplɔ I d/ ADJ Someone who is unemployed does not have a job. □ This workshop helps young unemployed people in Grimsby. □ Have you been unemployed for over six months? ● N‑PLURAL The unemployed are people who are unemployed. □ We want to create jobs for the unemployed.
un|em|ploy|ment ◆◇◇ /ʌ n I mplɔ I mənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Unemployment is the fact that people who want jobs cannot get them. □ …an area that had the highest unemployment rate in the country. □ Unemployment is so damaging both to individuals and to communities.
u n|em|plo y|ment ben|efit N‑UNCOUNT Unemployment benefit is money that some people receive from the state when they do not have a job and are unable to find one. □ In 1986 more than three million were receiving unemployment benefit.
u n|em|plo y|ment line (unemployment lines ) N‑COUNT When people talk about the unemployment line , they are talking about the state of being unemployed, especially when saying how many people are unemployed. [AM ] □ Many white-collar workers find themselves in the unemployment lines.
un|end|ing /ʌne nd I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unending , you mean that it continues without stopping for a very long time. □ …the country's seemingly unending cycle of political violence.
un|en|dur|able /ʌ n I ndjʊə rəb ə l, [AM ] -dʊ r-/ ADJ If you describe a bad situation as unendurable , you mean that it is so extremely unpleasant that you have to end it. [FORMAL ] □ Isaac had found the work unendurable and walked out of the job. □ It has placed an almost unendurable strain on their relationship.
un|en|vi|able /ʌne nviəb ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation or task as unenviable , you mean that nobody would enjoy dealing with it because it is very difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant. □ She had the unenviable task of making the first few phone calls. □ It put me in the unenviable position of having to lie.
un|equal /ʌ niː kwəl/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unequal system or situation is unfair because it gives more power or privileges to one person or group of people than to others. □ This country still had a deeply oppressive, unequal and divisive political system. □ …the unequal power relationships between men and women. □ …unequal pay. ● un|equal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …unequally distributed assets. □ The victims were treated unequally.
2 ADJ If someone is unequal to a task they have to do, they do not have the abilities needed to do it well. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] He felt unequal to the job and wished there were someone he could go to for advice.
3 ADJ Unequal means being different in size, strength, or amount. □ The Egyptians probably measured their day in twenty-four hours of unequal length.
un|equalled /ʌ niː kwəld/ in AM, use unequaled ADJ If you describe something as unequalled , you mean that it is greater, better, or more extreme than anything else of the same kind. □ This record figure was unequalled for 13 years. □ …an unequalled level of service. □ …a feat unequaled in the history of polar exploration.
un|equivo|cal /ʌ n I kw I vək ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's attitude as unequivocal , you mean that it is completely clear and very firm. [FORMAL ] □ …Richardson's unequivocal commitment to fair play. □ Yesterday, the message to him was unequivocal: 'Get out.' ● un|equivo|cal|ly /ʌ n I kw I vəkli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Temperature records have unequivocally confirmed the existence of global warming.
un|err|ing /ʌ nɜː r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's judgment or ability as unerring , you mean that they are always correct and never mistaken. □ She has an unerring instinct for people's weak spots. ● un|err|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ It was wonderful to watch her fingers moving deftly and unerringly.
un|escort|ed /ʌ n I skɔː t I d/ ADJ [ADJ n, ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is unescorted , they are not protected or supervised. □ Unescorted children are not allowed beyond this point. □ They advise against foreign delegates wandering unescorted in various parts of town.
un|ethi|cal /ʌ ne θ I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as unethical , you think it is wrong and unacceptable according to a society's rules or people's beliefs. □ It's simply unethical to promote and advertise such a dangerous product.
un|even /ʌ niː v ə n/
1 ADJ An uneven surface or edge is not smooth, flat, or straight. □ He staggered on the uneven surface of the car park. □ …uneven teeth. ● un|even|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …wearing dresses that pinched at the armholes, that hung as unevenly as flags.
2 ADJ Something that is uneven is not regular or consistent. □ He could hear that her breathing was uneven. ● un|even|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The steaks were unevenly cooked.
3 ADJ If you describe something as uneven , you think it is not very good because it is not consistent in quality. □ This was, for him, an oddly uneven performance.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An uneven system or situation is unfairly arranged or organized. □ Some of the victims are complaining loudly about the uneven distribution of emergency aid. □ It was an uneven contest. ● un|even|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Within a free enterprise capitalist society, resources are very unevenly distributed.
un|event|ful /ʌ n I ve ntfʊl/ ADJ If you describe a period of time as uneventful , you mean that nothing interesting, exciting, or important happened during it. □ The return journey was uneventful, the car running perfectly. □ It was rare for her to have an opportunity to discuss her dull, uneventful life. ● un|event|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ The five years at that school passed fairly uneventfully.
un|ex|cep|tion|able /ʌ n I kse pʃənəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unexceptionable , you mean that they are unlikely to be criticized or objected to, but are not new or exciting, and may have some hidden bad qualities. [FORMAL ] □ The candidate was quite unexceptionable, a well-known travel writer and TV personality. □ The school's unexceptionable purpose is to involve parents in the education of their children.
un|ex|cep|tion|al /ʌ n I kse pʃən ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unexceptional , you mean that it is ordinary, not very interesting, and often disappointing. □ Since then, Michael has lived an unexceptional life. □ The rest of the summer was unexceptional.
un|ex|cit|ing /ʌ n I ksa I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unexciting , you think they are rather boring, and not likely to shock or surprise you in any way. □ He is regarded as very capable but unexciting. □ It was a methodical, unexciting chore.
un|ex|pec|ted ◆◇◇ /ʌ n I kspe kt I d/ ADJ If an event or someone's behaviour is unexpected , it surprises you because you did not think that it was likely to happen. □ His death was totally unexpected. □ He made a brief, unexpected appearance at the office. ● un|ex|pect|ed|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ Moss had clamped an unexpectedly strong grip on his arm. SYNONYMS unexpected ADJ
unforeseen: Ring regularly to check that no unforeseen problems have arisen.
surprise: Baxter arrived here this afternoon, on a surprise visit.
sudden: He had been deeply affected by the sudden death of his father-in-law.
un|ex|plained /ʌ n I ksple I nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unexplained , you mean that the reason for it or cause of it is unclear or is not known. □ The demonstrations were provoked by the unexplained death of an opposition leader. □ Soon after leaving Margate, for some unexplained reason, the train was brought to a standstill.
un|fail|ing /ʌnfe I l I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's good qualities or behaviour as unfailing , you mean that they never change. □ He had the unfailing care and support of Erica, his wife. □ He continued to appear in the office with unfailing regularity thereafter. ● un|fail|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ He was unfailingly polite to customers. □ Foreigners unfailingly fall in love with the place.
un|fair ◆◇◇ /ʌ nfeə r /
1 ADJ An unfair action is not right or fair. □ America decided that imported steel had an unfair advantage over steel made at home. □ It was unfair that he should suffer so much. □ The union said it was unfair to ask workers to adopt a policy of wage restraint. ● un|fair|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ The tribunal found that she was unfairly dismissed. □ He unfairly blamed Frances for the failure.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unfair system or situation does not give equal treatment or equal opportunities to everyone involved. □ The band is suing the show for unfair competition. □ Some have been sentenced to long prison terms after unfair trials. ● un|fair|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] What about the unfairness of life? Why do bad things happen to good people?
u n|fai r di s|mi s|sal N‑UNCOUNT If an employee claims unfair dismissal , they begin a legal action against their employer in which they claim that they were dismissed from their job unfairly. [BUSINESS ] □ His former chauffeur is claiming unfair dismissal on the grounds of racial discrimination.
un|faith|ful /ʌ nfe I θfʊl/ ADJ If someone is unfaithful to their lover or to the person they are married to, they have a sexual relationship with someone else. □ [+ to ] James had been unfaithful to Christine for the entire four years they'd been together. □ …her unfaithful partner.
un|fa|mil|iar /ʌ nfəm I l I ə r /
1 ADJ If something is unfamiliar to you, you know nothing or very little about it, because you have not seen or experienced it before. □ [+ to ] She grew many wonderful plants that were unfamiliar to me. □ I was alone in an unfamiliar city. ● un|fa|mili|ar|ity /ʌ nfəm I liæ r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □ [+ to ] …problems which arise from the newness of the approach and its unfamiliarity to prisoners.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are unfamiliar with something, it is unfamiliar to you. □ [+ with ] She speaks no Japanese and is unfamiliar with Japanese culture. ● un|fa|mili|ar|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ with ] …her unfamiliarity with the politics of the region.
un|fash|ion|able /ʌ nfæ ʃənəb ə l/
1 ADJ If something is unfashionable , it is not approved of or done by most people. □ Wearing fur has become deeply unfashionable. □ She knew that her views were unfashionable. ● un|fash|ion|ably ADV [usu ADV adj] □ He wears his blonde hair unfashionably long.
2 ADJ Clothes that are unfashionable , are not in fashion. □ …a short woman in a full, unfashionable skirt.
un|fas|ten /ʌ nfɑː s ə n, -fæ s ə n/ (unfastens , unfastening , unfastened ) VERB If you unfasten something that is closed, tied, or held together, or if you unfasten the thing holding it, you loosen or remove the thing holding it. □ [V n] When Ted was six we decided that he needed to know how to fasten and unfasten his seat belt. □ [V n] Reaching down, he unfastened the latch on the gate. □ [V -ed] He once emerged from the toilets with his flies unfastened.
un|fath|om|able /ʌnfæ ðəməb ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe something as unfathomable , you mean that it cannot be understood or explained, usually because it is very strange or complicated. □ For some unfathomable reason, there are no stairs where there should be. □ How odd life was, how unfathomable, how profoundly unjust.
2 ADJ If you use unfathomable to describe a person or the expression on their face, you mean that you cannot tell what they are thinking or what they intend to do. [LITERARY ] □ …a strange, unfathomable and unpredictable individual. □ …the dark eyes that right now seemed opaque and unfathomable.
un|fa|vour|able /ʌ nfe I vərəb ə l/ in AM, use unfavorable 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Unfavourable conditions or circumstances cause problems for you and reduce your chances of success. □ Unfavourable economic conditions were blocking a recovery of the insurance market. □ Unfavourable weather has had damaging effects on this year's harvest. □ [+ for ] The whole international economic situation is very unfavourable for the countries in the south.
2 ADJ If you have an unfavourable reaction to something, you do not like it. □ A more unfavourable response was given today by the Prime Minister. □ First reactions have been distinctly unfavourable. ● un|fa|vour|ably /ʌ nfe I vərəbli/ ADV [ADV after v] □ When the body reacts unfavourably to food, the pulse rate will go up.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you make an unfavourable comparison between two things, you say that one thing seems worse than the other. □ He makes unfavourable comparisons between British and French cooking. ● un|fa|vour|ably ADV [ADV with v] □ Boys tend to compare unfavourably with girls in social and language development.
un|fea|sible /ʌnfiː z I b ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is unfeasible , you mean that you do not think it can be done, made, or achieved. □ The weather made it unfeasible to be outdoors. □ The board said the idea was unfeasible.
un|feel|ing /ʌnfiː l I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as unfeeling , you are criticizing them for their lack of kindness or sympathy for other people. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was branded an unfeeling bully. □ There's no way anyone could accuse this woman of being cold and unfeeling.
un|fet|tered /ʌ nfe tə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you describe something as unfettered , you mean that it is not controlled or limited by anyone or anything. [FORMAL ] □ …unfettered free trade. □ [+ by ] Unfettered by the bounds of reality, my imagination flourished. □ He demanded unfettered access to a new nuclear facility.
un|fin|ished /ʌ nf I n I ʃt/ ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you describe something such as a work of art or a piece of work as unfinished , you mean that it is not complete, for example because it was abandoned or there was no time to complete it. □ …Jane Austen's unfinished novel. □ The cathedral was eventually completed in 1490, though the Gothic facade remains unfinished.
un|fit /ʌ nf I t/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are unfit , your body is not in good condition because you have not been taking regular exercise. □ Many children are so unfit they are unable to do even basic exercises.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If someone is unfit for something, he or she is unable to do it because of injury or illness. □ [+ for ] He had a third examination and was declared unfit for duty. □ Mr Abel's doctor has said he is unfit to travel.
3 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If you say that someone or something is unfit for a particular purpose or job, you are criticizing them because they are not good enough for that purpose or job. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ for ] Existing houses are becoming totally unfit for human habitation. □ They were utterly unfit to govern America. □ She is an unfit mother.
un|flag|ging /ʌ nflæ g I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something such as support, effort, or enthusiasm as unflagging , you mean that it does not stop or get less as time passes. [APPROVAL ] □ He was sustained by the unflagging support of his family. □ The book is not one word too long and its narrative pace is unflagging.
un|flap|pable /ʌ nflæ pəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is unflappable is always calm and never panics or gets upset or angry. □ His unflappable calm gave me confidence under pressure.
un|flat|ter|ing /ʌnflæ tər I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something as unflattering , you mean that it makes a person or thing seem less attractive than they really are. □ He depicted the town's respectable families in an unflattering light. □ The knee-length dresses were unflattering and ugly.
un|flinch|ing /ʌ nfl I ntʃ I ŋ/ ADJ You can use unflinching in expressions such as unflinching honesty and unflinching support to indicate that a good quality which someone has is strong and steady, and never weakens. □ The battalions continued to advance with unflinching courage. ● un|flinch|ing|ly ADV □ They were unflinchingly loyal to their friends.
un|fo|cused /ʌ nfoʊ kəst/ also unfocussed
1 ADJ If someone's eyes are unfocused , they are open, but not looking at anything. □ Her eyes were unfocused, as if she were staring inside at her memories of the day. □ …his unfocused gaze.
2 ADJ If you describe someone's feelings or plans as unfocused , you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be clearly formed or have any clear purpose. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ But for now, she is in the grip of a blind, unfocused anger. □ It is not perhaps surprising that the administration now appears so indecisive and unfocused.
un|fold /ʌ nfoʊ ld/ (unfolds , unfolding , unfolded )
1 VERB If a situation unfolds , it develops and becomes known or understood. □ [V ] The outcome depends on conditions as well as how events unfold.
2 VERB If a story unfolds or if someone unfolds it, it is told to someone else. □ [V ] Don's story unfolded as the cruise got under way. □ [V n] Mr Wills unfolds his story with evident enjoyment.
3 VERB If someone unfolds something which has been folded or if it unfolds , it is opened out and becomes flat. □ [V n] He quickly unfolded the blankets and spread them on the mattress. □ [V ] When the bird lifts off into flight, its wings unfold to an impressive six-foot span.
un|fol|low /ʌ nfɒ loʊ/ (unfollows , unfollowing , unfollowed ) VERB If you unfollow someone, you choose to stop seeing messages and pictures that they post on a social media website. □ [V n + on ] The first step in erasing him from her life was to unfollow him on Instagram. □ [V n] If you don't like my tweets, just unfollow me.
un|fore|see|able /ʌ nfɔː r siː əb ə l/ ADJ An unforeseeable problem or unpleasant event is one which you did not expect and could not have predicted. □ This is such an unforeseeable situation that anything could happen.
un|fore|seen /ʌ nfə r siː n/ ADJ If something that has happened was unforeseen , it was not expected to happen or known about beforehand. □ Radiation may damage cells in a way that was previously unforeseen. □ Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year's show has been cancelled.
un|for|get|table /ʌ nfə r ge təb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unforgettable , you mean that it is, for example, extremely beautiful, enjoyable, or unusual, so that you remember it for a long time. You can also refer to extremely unpleasant things as unforgettable . □ A visit to the Museum is an unforgettable experience. □ …the leisure activities that will make your holiday unforgettable. ● un|for|get|tably /ʌ nfə r ge təbli/ ADV □ …an unforgettably unique performer.
un|for|giv|able /ʌ nfə r g I vəb ə l/ ADJ If you say that something is unforgivable , you mean that it is very bad, cruel, or socially unacceptable. □ What they did was unforgivable.
un|for|giv|ing /ʌ nfə r g I v I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as unforgiving , you mean that they are unwilling to forgive other people. [FORMAL ] □ He was an unforgiving man who never forgot a slight. □ [+ of ] He finds human foibles endearing, but is unforgiving of pretension.
2 ADJ If you describe a situation or activity as unforgiving , you mean that it causes a lot of people to experience great difficulty or failure, even people who deserve to succeed. □ Business is a competitive activity. It is very fierce and very unforgiving.
un|formed /ʌ nfɔː r md/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unformed , you mean that they are in an early stage of development and are not fully formed or matured. [FORMAL ] □ The market for which they are competing is still unformed. □ …the unformed minds of children.
un|for|tu|nate /ʌnfɔː r tʃʊnət/ (unfortunates )
1 ADJ If you describe someone as unfortunate , you mean that something unpleasant or unlucky has happened to them. You can also describe the unpleasant things that happen to them as unfortunate . □ Some unfortunate person passing below could all too easily be seriously injured. □ Apparently he had been unfortunate enough to fall victim to a gang of thugs. □ Through some unfortunate accident, the information reached me a day late. □ [+ for ] It was unfortunate for Davey that his teacher did not take kindly to him.
2 ADJ If you describe something that has happened as unfortunate , you think that it is inappropriate, embarrassing, awkward, or wrong. □ It really is desperately unfortunate that this should have happened just now. □ …the unfortunate incident of the upside-down Canadian flag.
3 ADJ You can describe someone as unfortunate when they are poor or have a difficult life. □ Every year we have charity days to raise money for unfortunate people. ● N‑COUNT An unfortunate is someone who is unfortunate. □ Dorothy was another of life's unfortunates.
un|for|tu|nate|ly ◆◇◇ /ʌnfɔː r tʃʊnətli/ ADV You can use unfortunately to introduce or refer to a statement when you consider that it is sad or disappointing, or when you want to express regret. [FEELINGS ] □ Unfortunately, my time is limited. □ [+ for ] Unfortunately for the Prince, his title brought obligations as well as privileges. SYNONYMS unfortunately ADV
sadly: Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering.
unluckily: Unluckily for him, the fraud officers were watching this flight too.
regrettably: The incidents are regrettably true.
un|found|ed /ʌ nfaʊ nd I d/ ADJ If you describe a rumour, belief, or feeling as unfounded , you mean that it is wrong and is not based on facts or evidence. □ …unfounded rumours that a police car had injured a young boy. □ The allegations were totally unfounded.
un|friend /ʌ nfre nd/ (unfriends , unfriending , unfriended ) VERB If you unfriend someone, you stop being their friend on a social media website. □ [V n] My 16-year-old has now unfriended me.
un|friend|ly /ʌ nfre ndli/ ADJ If you describe a person, organization, or their behaviour as unfriendly , you mean that they behave towards you in an unkind or rather hostile way. □ [+ to ] It is not fair for him to be permanently unfriendly to someone who has hurt him. □ People always complain that the big banks and big companies are unfriendly and unhelpful. □ Judy spoke in a loud, rather unfriendly voice.
-unfriendly /-ʌnfre ndli/ COMB -unfriendly combines with nouns, and sometimes adverbs, to form adjectives which describe something which is bad for a particular thing. □ It's couched in such very user-unfriendly terminology. □ …this harsh, and environmentally-unfriendly, action.
un|ful|filled /ʌ nfʊlf I ld/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use unfulfilled to describe something such as a promise, ambition, or need, you mean that what was promised, hoped for, or needed has not happened. □ …angry at unfulfilled promises of jobs and decent housing. □ The election had raised hopes that remain unfulfilled.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as unfulfilled , you mean that they feel dissatisfied with life or with what they have done. □ You must let go of the idea that to be single is to be unhappy and unfulfilled.
un|fun|ny /ʌ nfʌ ni/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unfunny , you mean that they do not make you laugh, although this was their intention or purpose. □ We became increasingly fed up with his increasingly unfunny and unintelligent comments.
un|furl /ʌ nfɜː r l/ (unfurls , unfurling , unfurled )
1 VERB If you unfurl something rolled or folded such as an umbrella, sail, or flag, you open it, so that it is spread out. You can also say that it unfurls . □ [V n] Once outside the inner breakwater, we began to unfurl all the sails. □ [V ] …two weeks later when the leaves unfurl.
2 VERB If you say that events, stories, or scenes unfurl before you, you mean that you are aware of them or can see them as they happen or develop. □ [V ] …as the dramatic changes in the region continue to unfurl.
un|fur|nished /ʌ nfɜː r n I ʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n, oft ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you rent an unfurnished house, flat, or apartment, no furniture is provided by the owner.
un|gain|ly /ʌnge I nli/ ADJ If you describe a person, animal, or vehicle as ungainly , you mean that they look awkward or clumsy, often because they are big. □ The dog, an ungainly mongrel pup, was loping about the road. □ Paul swam in his ungainly way to the side of the pool.
un|gen|er|ous /ʌ ndʒe nərəs/
1 ADJ If you describe someone's remarks, thoughts, or actions as ungenerous , you mean that they are unfair or unkind. [FORMAL ] □ This was a typically ungenerous response.
2 ADJ You can use ungenerous when you are describing a person or organization that is unwilling to give much money to other people. [FORMAL ] □ Financial provision for the unemployed is ungenerous.
un|glued /ʌngluː d/
1 PHRASE If something comes unglued , it becomes separated from the thing that it was attached to. □ I wear my old shoes every day. One sole has come unglued.
2 PHRASE To come unglued means to fail. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ Their marriage finally came unglued. in BRIT, usually use come unstuck
3 PHRASE If someone comes unglued , they become very upset and emotional, and perhaps confused or mentally ill. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ If she hears what you're saying, she's going to come unglued.
un|god|ly /ʌ ngɒ dli/
1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as ungodly , you mean that they are morally bad or are opposed to religion.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to a time as an ungodly hour, you are emphasizing that it is very early in the morning. [EMPHASIS ] □ …at the ungodly hour of 4.00am.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to the amount or volume of something as ungodly , you mean that it is excessive or unreasonable. □ …a power struggle of ungodly proportions.
un|gov|ern|able /ʌ ngʌ və r nəb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe a country or region as ungovernable , you mean that it seems impossible to control or govern it effectively, for example because of violence or conflict among the population. □ The country has become virtually ungovernable.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe feelings as ungovernable , you mean that they are so strong that they cannot be controlled. □ He was filled with an ungovernable rage.
un|gra|cious /ʌ ngre I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as ungracious , you mean that they are not polite or friendly in their speech or behaviour. [FORMAL ] □ …his ungracious behaviour during the Queen's recent visit. □ [+ in ] I was often rude and ungracious in refusing help.
un|grate|ful /ʌngre I tfʊl/ ADJ If you describe someone as ungrateful , you are criticizing them for not showing thanks or for being unkind to someone who has helped them or done them a favour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I thought it was rather ungrateful. □ You ungrateful brat.
un|guard|ed /ʌ ngɑː r d I d/
1 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ , ADJ n] If something is unguarded , nobody is protecting it or looking after it. □ I should not leave my briefcase and camera bag unguarded.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do or say something in an unguarded moment, you do or say it carelessly and without thinking, especially when it is something that you did not want anyone to see or know. □ The photographers managed to capture Jane in an unguarded moment.
un|ham|pered /ʌ nhæ mpə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ after v] If you are unhampered by a problem or obstacle, you are free from it, and so you are able to do what you want to. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ by ] She believes people should be allowed to make money unhampered by regulations.
un|hap|pi|ly /ʌnhæ p I li/ ADV You use unhappily to introduce or refer to a statement when you consider it is sad and wish that it was different. □ On May 23rd, unhappily, the little boy died. □ Unhappily for him, he never got a penny.
un|hap|py ◆◇◇ /ʌnhæ pi/ (unhappier , unhappiest )
1 ADJ If you are unhappy , you are sad and depressed. □ Her marriage is in trouble and she is desperately unhappy. □ He was a shy, sometimes unhappy man. ● un|hap|pi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ 'I don't have your imagination,' King said unhappily. □ …an unhappily married couple. ● un|hap|pi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ There was a lot of unhappiness in my adolescence.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If you are unhappy about something, you are not pleased about it or not satisfied with it. □ [+ with ] He has been unhappy with his son's political leanings. □ [+ about ] I suspect he isn't altogether unhappy about my absence. □ [+ that ] A lot of Republicans are unhappy that the government isn't doing more. [Also + at ] ● un|hap|pi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ with ] He has, by resigning, signalled his unhappiness with the government's decision. [Also + about , + that ]
3 ADJ [ADJ n] An unhappy situation or choice is not satisfactory or desirable. □ …this unhappy chapter in the history of relations between our two countries. □ …unhappy experiences of writing for television. SYNONYMS unhappy ADJ 1
sad: I'd grown fond of our little house and felt sad to leave it.
depressed: He seemed somewhat depressed.
miserable: She went to bed, miserable and humiliated.
gloomy: Miller is gloomy about the fate of the serious playwright in America.
un|harmed /ʌ nhɑː r md/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is unharmed after an accident or violent incident, they are not hurt or damaged in any way. □ The car was a write-off, but everyone escaped unharmed.
un|healthy /ʌnhe lθi/ (unhealthier , unhealthiest )
1 ADJ Something that is unhealthy is likely to cause illness or poor health. □ Avoid unhealthy foods such as hamburger and chips. □ He worked in the notoriously unhealthy environment of a coal mine.
2 ADJ If you are unhealthy , you are not very fit or well. □ I'm quite unhealthy really. □ …a poorly dressed, unhealthy looking fellow with a poor complexion.
3 ADJ An unhealthy economy or company is financially weak and unsuccessful. [BUSINESS ] □ The redundancy of skilled and experienced workers is a clear sign of an unhealthy economy.
4 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or interests as unhealthy , you do not consider them to be normal and think they may involve mental problems. □ Frank has developed what I would term an unhealthy relationship with these people. □ MacGregor believes it is unhealthy to lead a life with no interests beyond politics.
un|heard /ʌ nhɜː r d/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, oft ADJ n] If you say that a person or their words go unheard , you are expressing criticism because someone refuses to pay attention to what is said or take it into consideration. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □ His impassioned pleas went unheard.
2 ADJ If you describe spoken comments or pieces of music as unheard , you mean that most people are not familiar with them because they have not been expressed or performed in public. □ …a country where social criticism was largely unheard until this year. □ …a previously unheard piece by Ottawa composer Deirdre Piper.
3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone's words or cries go unheard , nobody can hear them, or a particular person cannot hear them. [WRITTEN ] □ Martin's weak cries for help went unheard until 6.40pm yesterday.
u n|hea rd of
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You can say that an event or situation is unheard of when it never happens. □ Meals are taken communally. Private bathrooms and toilets are unheard of. □ It is unheard of for a professional golfer to take such action.
2 ADJ You can say that an event or situation is unheard of when it happens for the first time and is very surprising or shocking. □ Mom announced that she was going away, which was absolutely unheard of.
un|heed|ed /ʌ nhiː d I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ n, ADJ after v] If you say that something such as a warning or danger goes unheeded , you mean that it has not been taken seriously or dealt with. [WRITTEN ] □ The advice of experts went unheeded. □ …a damning picture of lax banking standards and unheeded warnings.
un|help|ful /ʌ nhe lpfʊl/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is unhelpful , you mean that they do not help you or improve a situation, and may even make things worse. □ The criticism is both unfair and unhelpful. □ …unhelpful hotel staff.
un|her|ald|ed /ʌ nhe rəld I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an artist or sports player as unheralded , you mean that people have not recognized their talent or ability. [JOURNALISM ] □ They are inviting talented, but unheralded film-makers to submit examples of their work.
2 ADJ If you describe something that happens as unheralded , you mean that you did not expect it, because nobody mentioned it beforehand. [WRITTEN ] □ …Sandi's unheralded arrival on her doorstep. □ The complete reversal of this policy was unheralded.
un|hesi|tat|ing|ly /ʌnhe z I te I t I ŋli/ ADV [usu ADV with v] If you say that someone does something unhesitatingly , you mean that they do it immediately and confidently, without any doubt or anxiety. □ I would unhesitatingly choose the latter option. □ So is there any taboo she wouldn't touch? Unhesitatingly she replies, 'Politics.'
un|hinge /ʌ nh I ndʒ/ (unhinges , unhinging , unhinged ) VERB If you say that an experience has unhinged someone, you mean that it has affected them so deeply that they have become mentally ill. □ [V n] The stress of war temporarily unhinged him. ● un|hinged ADJ □ …feelings that make you feel completely unhinged and crazy.
un|hinged /ʌ nh I ndʒd/
1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour or performance as unhinged , you are critical of it because it seems wild and uncontrollable. [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The phrase 'yeah yeah yeah' can rarely have been delivered with so much unhinged passion.
2 → see also unhinge
un|hip /ʌ nh I p/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unhip , you mean that they are not at all fashionable or modern. [INFORMAL ] □ …two rather stiff, unhip, middle-aged men.
un|ho|ly /ʌ nhoʊ li/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use unholy to emphasize how unreasonable or unpleasant you think something is. [EMPHASIS ] □ She protested that it wasn't traditional jazz at all, but an unholy row. □ The economy is still an unholy mess.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to two or more people or groups working together as an unholy alliance, you mean that this arrangement is unusual because the people usually oppose each other. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ There has been this unholy alliance between the far right and the left. □ The party was run by an unholy coalition between North and South.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unholy , you mean that it is wicked or bad. □ 'This ought to be fun,' he told Alex, eyes gleaming with an almost unholy relish.
un|hook /ʌ nhʊ k/ (unhooks , unhooking , unhooked )
1 VERB If you unhook a piece of clothing that is fastened with hooks, you undo the hooks. □ [V n] She unhooked her dress.
2 VERB If you unhook something that is held in place by hooks, you open it or remove it by undoing the hooks. □ [V n] Chris unhooked the shutters and went out on the balcony.
un|hur|ried /ʌ nhʌ r I d/ ADJ If you describe something as unhurried , you approve of it because it is relaxed and slow, and is not rushed or anxious. [APPROVAL ] □ …an unhurried pace of life.
un|hurt /ʌ nhɜː r t/ ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If someone who has been attacked, or involved in an accident, is unhurt , they are not injured. □ The lorry driver escaped unhurt, but a pedestrian was injured. □ The two girls suddenly emerged from among the trees. Both seemed to be calm and unhurt.
un|hy|gien|ic /ʌ nha I dʒiː n I k, [AM ] -dʒie n I k/ ADJ If you describe something as unhygienic , you mean that it is dirty and likely to cause infection or disease. □ Parts of the shop were very dirty, unhygienic, and an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. □ …unhygienic conditions.
uni /juː ni/ (unis ) N‑VAR Uni is short for university . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I scraped by at uni with the minimum grades. □ The uni is based on two main campuses.
uni|corn /juː n I kɔː r n/ (unicorns ) N‑COUNT In stories and legends, a unicorn is an imaginary animal that looks like a white horse and has a horn growing from its forehead.
un|iden|ti|fi|able /ʌ na I dent I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ If something or someone is unidentifiable , you are not able to say exactly what it is or who they are. □ …unidentifiable howling noises. □ All the bodies were totally unidentifiable.
un|iden|ti|fied ◆◇◇ /ʌ na I de nt I fa I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as unidentified , you mean that nobody knows who or what they are. □ He was shot this morning by unidentified intruders at his house. □ …unidentified cancer-causing substances in the environment.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use unidentified to describe people, groups, and organizations, you do not want to give their names. [JOURNALISM ] □ …his claims, which were based on the comments of anonymous and unidentified sources.
uni|fi|ca|tion /juː n I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Unification is the process by which two or more countries join together and become one country. □ The political unification of Spain began in 1469 with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.
uni|form ◆◇◇ /juː n I fɔː r m/ (uniforms )
1 N‑VAR A uniform is a special set of clothes which some people, for example soldiers or the police, wear to work in and which some children wear at school. □ The town police wear dark blue uniforms and flat caps. □ Philippe was in uniform, wearing a pistol holster on his belt. □ She will probably take great pride in wearing school uniform.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to the particular style of clothing which a group of people wear to show they belong to a group or a movement as their uniform . □ Mark's is the uniform of the young male traveller–green army trousers, T-shirt and shirt.
3 ADJ If something is uniform , it does not vary, but is even and regular throughout. □ Chips should be cut into uniform size and thickness. □ The price rises will not be uniform across the country. ● uni|form|ity /juː n I fɔː r m I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the caramel that was used to maintain uniformity of color in the brandy. ● uni|form|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ Beyond the windows, a November midday was uniformly grey. □ Microwaves heat water uniformly.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a number of things as uniform , you mean that they are all the same. □ Along each wall stretched uniform green metal filing cabinets. ● uni|form|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the dull uniformity of the houses. ● uni|form|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ The natives uniformly agreed on this important point. SYNONYMS uniform ADJ
3
consistent: …his consistent support of free trade.
even: How important is it to have an even temperature when you're working?
unvarying: …her unvarying refusal to make public appearances.
regular: …regular rows of wooden huts.
4
alike: We looked very alike.
similar: …a group of similar pictures.
identical: Nearly all the houses were identical.
uni|formed /juː n I fɔː r md/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you use uniformed to describe someone who does a particular job, you mean that they are wearing a uniform. □ …uniformed police officers.
uni|form|ity /juː n I fɔː r m I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is uniformity in something such as a system, organization, or group of countries, the same rules, ideas, or methods are applied in all parts of it. □ Spanish liberals sought to create linguistic as well as administrative uniformity.
2 → see also uniform
uni|fy /juː n I fa I / (unifies , unifying , unified ) VERB If someone unifies different things or parts, or if the things or parts unify , they are brought together to form one thing. □ [V n] A flexible retirement age is being considered by Ministers to unify men's and women's pension rights. □ [V n] He said he would seek to unify the party and win the next general election. □ [V ] The plan has been for the rival armies to unify, and then to hold elections. □ [V + with ] The former British colony unified with the north after the British withdrawal. ● uni|fied ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ The ultimate objective was a unified democratic country. □ …a unified system of taxation.
uni|lat|er|al /juː n I læ tər ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A unilateral decision or action is taken by only one of the groups, organizations, or countries that are involved in a particular situation, without the agreement of the others. □ …unilateral nuclear disarmament. ● uni|lat|er|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The British Government was careful not to act unilaterally.
uni|lat|er|al|ism /juː n I læ tərəl I zəm/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Unilateralism is the belief that one country should get rid of all its own nuclear weapons, without waiting for other countries to do the same.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Unilateralism is used to refer to a policy in which one country or group involved in a situation takes a decision or action on its own, without the agreement of the other countries or groups involved. □ They pursued a policy of aggressive unilateralism on trade.
un|im|agi|nable /ʌ n I mæ dʒ I nəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unimaginable , you are emphasizing that it is difficult to imagine or understand properly, because it is not part of people's normal experience. [EMPHASIS ] □ The scale of the fighting is almost unimaginable. □ The children here have lived through unimaginable horrors. ● un|im|agi|nably /ʌ n I mæ dʒ I nəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ Conditions in prisons out there are unimaginably bad.
un|im|agi|na|tive /ʌ n I mæ dʒ I nət I v/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as unimaginative , you are criticizing them because they do not think of new methods or things to do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Her father was a steady, unimaginative, corporate lawyer. □ …unimaginative teachers.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unimaginative , you mean that it is boring or unattractive because very little imagination or effort has been used on it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …unimaginative food.
un|im|paired /ʌ n I mpeə r d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v, ADJ n] If something is unimpaired after something bad or unpleasant has happened to it, it is not damaged or made worse. [FORMAL ] □ [+ by ] His health and vigour were unimpaired by a stroke. □ Queen Milena possessed great beauty, which she retained unimpaired in advancing years.
un|im|peach|able /ʌ n I mpiː tʃəb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as unimpeachable , you mean that they are completely honest and reliable. [FORMAL ] □ He said all five were men of unimpeachable character. □ …an unimpeachable source.
un|im|ped|ed /ʌ n I mpiː d I d/ ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something moves or happens unimpeded , it continues without being stopped or interrupted by anything. [FORMAL ] □ We drove, unimpeded by anyone, to Arras. □ He promised to allow justice to run its course unimpeded. □ U.N. aid convoys have unimpeded access to the city.
un|im|por|tant /ʌ n I mpɔː r t ə nt/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as unimportant , you mean that they do not have much influence, effect, or value, and are therefore not worth serious consideration. □ It was an unimportant job, and paid very little. □ When they had married, six years before, the difference in their ages had seemed unimportant.
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