English Reference

Word

uncovered

Phoneticsun·cov·ered, stress on the second syllable

US/ənˈkəvɝd/

UK/ʌnkˈʌvəd/

Definitions

01not physically covered

B1 · Intermediate

adj. not having a lid, roof, or cloth over it.

adj. lacking a physical covering, lid, or protective layer.

“The uncovered pot of soup cooled down quickly on the counter.”

“The archaeological team left the uncovered ruins exposed to the elements while they waited for the arrival of the preservation specialists.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02found or revealed

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. the past action of finding something that was hidden or secret.

v. the past tense or past participle of 'uncover', referring to the act of revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

“The investigation uncovered a lot of evidence about the crime.”

“The journalists uncovered a series of financial discrepancies that eventually led to the resignation of the entire board of directors.”

Antonyms

03without insurance

C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical

adj. not protected by insurance or a financial guarantee.

adj. lacking insurance coverage or financial security against potential loss.

“He was worried because his medical expenses were uncovered by his current plan.”

“The auditor noted that several high-value assets remained uncovered by the firm's primary liability policy, posing a significant risk to investors.”

Antonyms

04not wearing a hat

C2 · Proficiency Literary · Archaic

adj. not wearing a hat or head covering.

adj. having the head bare; not wearing a hat, cap, or veil.

“The men stood with uncovered heads as the parade passed by.”

“In the old photographs, the mourners are seen standing with uncovered heads despite the bitter winter wind.”

Synonyms

bareheaded

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “uncovered” in context.

01. uncovered evidence

Real-World Examples

“A McGill University–led study has now uncovered a previously unknown ability of T cells that could change our understanding of how long-term immunity develops.”
Phys.org 18 Aug 2026
“Researchers have uncovered a surprising way triple-negative breast cancer may turn the body against itself.”
ScienceDaily 17 Aug 2026
“Scientists may have uncovered evidence that a mammal ancestor was giving birth to live young 236 million years ago.”
ScienceDaily 13 Aug 2026
“Scientists have uncovered new evidence that fireworks can pollute both the air and water in ways that extend beyond the visible smoke.”
ScienceDaily 4 Jul 2026

Etymology

From un- + covered.

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

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference