WordGarden.iouncontaminated
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnkəntˈæmɪnˌeɪtɪd/
US
- /ˌənkənˈtæməˌneɪtɪd/
Meanings
Adjective
free from pollutants, germs, or other unwanted matter
free from outside influence that would distort data, evidence, or results
Beyond the definition
Imagine drawing water from a mountain spring and knowing nothing harmful has gotten into it. That is what uncontaminated means. It describes something that has stayed clean, pure, and free from pollution, germs, poison, or any other unwanted substance. You might use it for water, food, soil, air, or a lab sample. In a broader sense, it can also describe something that has stayed free from outside influence, such as motives untouched by self-interest. It is the opposite of contaminated and suggests that something is still in a natural or safe state.
The word uncontaminated describes something that has remained pure and free from any harmful or unwanted substance. It often refers to things that have not been polluted, infected, mixed with dangerous material, or spoiled by contact with something dirty. A scientist may protect a sample so it stays uncontaminated, or a health official may test whether a water source is still uncontaminated and safe to use.
Most often, the word is used for physical things such as water, food, air, soil, medicine, or laboratory materials. If they are uncontaminated, nothing harmful has entered them. For example, an uncontaminated well is safe because the water has not been polluted, and uncontaminated food has not been exposed to dangerous bacteria or chemicals.
The word can also be used in a wider or more figurative way. Someone might speak of evidence that remains uncontaminated by bias, or motives uncontaminated by greed. In these cases, the idea is not about dirt or chemicals but about being untouched by something that would weaken or spoil the original state.
In everyday English, uncontaminated carries a strong sense of safety, purity, and trust. It suggests that something is still in a clean, original condition and has not been harmed by outside contact. Whether you are talking about drinking water, a scientific sample, or even a person's intentions, the word points to something that has stayed free from whatever should not be there.
Examples
- 1
Drinking water
The campsite had a tank of uncontaminated drinking water for visitors.
- 2
Food safety
The company had to show that its baby food was uncontaminated before it could go on sale.
- 3
Research sample
The researchers sealed the container to keep the air sample uncontaminated.
- 4
Soil protection
Local farmers are working to keep the soil uncontaminated by factory waste.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- uncontaminated water
- uncontaminated sample
- uncontaminated evidence
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- uncontaminatedadjective