English Reference

Word

unprocessed

Phoneticsun·pro·cessed, stress on the second syllable

US/ənˈpɹɔˌsɛst/

UK/ʌnpɹˈəʊsɛst/

Definition

adj. still in its natural state, not changed by machines, cooking, or chemicals. You use it mostly for food or materials that are still raw and natural.

adj. not subjected to industrial treatment, refinement, or chemical alteration; remaining in a natural or raw state. Typically describes foods, raw materials, or raw data that retain their original form.

Examples

“She prefers unprocessed foods like fresh fruit and vegetables.”

“The store sells unprocessed honey straight from local farms without added sugar.”

“Despite marketing claims, many products labelled natural still contain additives, unlike truly unprocessed ingredients sourced directly from growers.”

Examples

simple

“She prefers unprocessed foods like fresh fruit and vegetables.”

contextual

“The store sells unprocessed honey straight from local farms without added sugar.”

complex

“Despite marketing claims, many products labelled natural still contain additives, unlike truly unprocessed ingredients sourced directly from growers.”

Collocations

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

Verb

01. keep unprocessed

“Keep the ingredients unprocessed to preserve nutrients.”

verb + adj

02. leave unprocessed

“Farmers leave part of the grain unprocessed for animal feed.”

verb + adj

03. remain unprocessed

“Much of the timber remains unprocessed in the factory.”

verb + adj

Adjective

04. completely unprocessed

“She prefers a diet of completely unprocessed foods.”

adv + adj

05. largely unprocessed

“This oil is made from largely unprocessed seeds.”

adv + adj

06. mostly unprocessed

“Our meals are mostly unprocessed and cooked at home.”

adv + adj

07. relatively unprocessed

“Brown rice is relatively unprocessed compared to white rice.”

adv + adj

08. choose unprocessed whole foods

“Nutritionists advise us to choose unprocessed whole foods.”

09. diet of unprocessed foods

“She switched to a diet of unprocessed foods last year.”

10. eat mostly unprocessed foods

“Try to eat mostly unprocessed foods like fruit and vegetables.”

11. made from unprocessed materials

“These bags are made from unprocessed natural fibres.”

12. remain largely unprocessed

“Much of the harvest remains largely unprocessed.”

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; predicative use after 'be' or 'remain' is also common.

Real-World Examples

“The latest research shows that unprocessed pork is a versatile, low-cost food that is a rich source of protein, essential amino acids and other important nutrients.”
Nature 2 Oct 2025
“The workflow begins with the user placing an intact, unprocessed sample such as a tissue biopsy, food item or piece of packaging on the instrument stage.”
Phys.org 20 Aug 2026
“They’re the coffee in its natural, unprocessed-by-heat state, ready and waiting for a roaster to unlock what’s inside.”
Pact Coffee 27 Jul 2026
“Sieve the ground rice to remove any lumps or unprocessed grains.”
BBC 7 Nov 2023

Synonyms

raw

Antonyms

Related words

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
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference