# untreated

/ənˈtɹitɪd/ (US) · /ʌntɹˈiːtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/untreated
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

describes something that has not been cleaned, fixed, or changed by a special process. You use this for things like dirty water, raw wood, or a sickness that a doctor hasn't helped yet.

For teachers: not having undergone a specific chemical, physical, or medical process. Often describes raw materials, environmental waste, or medical conditions that have not received clinical attention.

## Examples

- Drinking untreated water from the river can make you very sick.
- The furniture is made from untreated pine, so you will need to paint or varnish it yourself.
- If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause permanent damage to the surrounding tissue.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or a predicative adjective after a linking verb like 'remain' or 'be'.

---

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.