Word
unmitigated
Phoneticsun·mit·i·gat·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈmɪtəˌɡeɪtɪd/
UK/ʌnmˈɪtɪɡˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. complete and total, usually in a bad way. You use it for things like failure or disaster when nothing good softens it.
adj. total or absolute, without any lessening or qualification. Typically modifies negative nouns such as disaster, failure, or gall.
Examples
“The picnic is an unmitigated disaster after the rain.”
“The new software launch is an unmitigated failure because nothing works as promised.”
“The inquiry described the dam collapse as an unmitigated tragedy born of neglected maintenance and ignored warnings over decades.”
Examples
simple
“The picnic is an unmitigated disaster after the rain.”
contextual
“The new software launch is an unmitigated failure because nothing works as promised.”
complex
“The inquiry described the dam collapse as an unmitigated tragedy born of neglected maintenance and ignored warnings over decades.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unmitigated” in context.
Verb
01. prove unmitigated
“The new policy proved unmitigated folly from the very start.”
verb + adj
02. remain unmitigated
“Despite the apology, public outrage remained unmitigated for weeks.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. entirely unmitigated
“The decision was entirely unmitigated folly with no redeeming logic.”
adv + adj
Noun
04. unmitigated catastrophe
“The oil spill was an unmitigated catastrophe for coastal wildlife.”
adj + noun
05. unmitigated delight
“To our surprise, the concert was unmitigated delight from start to finish.”
adj + noun
06. unmitigated disaster
“The evacuation was an unmitigated disaster that left thousands stranded.”
adj + noun
07. unmitigated evil
“The report described the regime as unmitigated evil without remorse.”
adj + noun
08. be an unmitigated failure
“The project was an unmitigated failure despite massive investment.”
09. have the unmitigated gall to
“She had the unmitigated gall to demand a refund after breaking it.”
10. nothing short of unmitigated disaster
“The response was nothing short of unmitigated disaster for residents.”
11. prove an unmitigated disaster
“The opening ceremony proved an unmitigated disaster for organizers.”
12. remain unmitigated by success
“His grief remained unmitigated by success or public praise.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies, almost always with negative nouns.
Real-World Examples
“Under the vetting framework for a job as national security adviser, being married to someone tied to a proscribed terrorist organisation is viewed as creating an automatic, unmitigated national security risk.” “I’d been open to Musk’s purchase of the social network, but half a year in, it’s been an unmitigated disaster.” “The venture into 'hotelevision' through Transworld Communications, acquired by Columbia in 1970, was labeled "an unmitigated disaster," resulting in substantial financial losses.” Synonyms
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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