English Reference
adjective

uncontrolled

adj.
US /ˌənkənˈtɹoʊɫd/ UK /ʌnkəntɹˈəʊld/ un·con·trolled

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    not limited or managed by anyone, often in a way that is dangerous or out of hand.

    lacking restraint, regulation, or external management; often implies a state of chaos or increasing intensity.

    Simple

    The uncontrolled fire spread quickly through the dry forest.

    In context

    Economists warned that uncontrolled inflation could destabilise the national currency and erode the savings of the middle class.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    describes a road or intersection that does not have signs, lights, or signals to manage traffic.

    referring to a road junction or crossing that lacks formal traffic control devices such as signals, stop signs, or markings.

    Simple

    Drivers must be very careful when turning at an uncontrolled intersection.

    In context

    The city council voted to install a roundabout at the uncontrolled crossing following a series of minor accidents involving pedestrians.

    Usage

    Commonly used in civil engineering and urban planning contexts.

    unmarkedunsignalled

When KRAS is mutated , this switch can become stuck in the "on" position, allowing uncontrolled cell growth.

Phys.org· 9 Sept 2026

Uncontrolled immigration and safety on the streets are huge concerns, too.

BBC News· 7 Sept 2026

From un- + controlled.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated