# unmitigated

/ənˈmɪtəˌɡeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ʌnmˈɪtɪɡˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unmitigated
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

complete and total, usually in a bad way. You use it for things like failure or disaster when nothing good softens it.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

absolute, Utter, complete, total, sheer, outright, downright

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies, almost always with negative nouns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.