undeclared
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌndɪklˈeəd/
US
- /əndɪˈklɛrd/
Description
- not stated
- not reported
- not made known
Something that's undeclared hasn't been openly announced, reported, or made official. Think of a secret stash of cookies: it's undeclared until someone admits it's there. The word is often used for things like income on your taxes, goods at customs, or feelings you haven't shared with anyone. In college, a student can be undeclared, meaning they have not chosen a specific major yet.
The word often suggests that some kind of statement or report was expected, but it did not happen. Sometimes the thing is hidden on purpose, and sometimes it is simply not official yet. For example, an undeclared war is fighting that happens without a formal announcement of war.
The word "undeclared" describes something that has not been openly or formally stated, reported, or acknowledged. It often suggests a lack of official recognition or a missing statement. Think about it like this: if you bring gifts across an international border, those gifts may need to be declared to customs officials. If you do not declare them, they are undeclared, and that could lead to trouble.
"Undeclared" is frequently used in contexts involving official reporting or legal requirements. For example, undeclared income refers to money earned that hasn't been reported on tax returns. Similarly, undeclared goods at customs are items brought into a country without proper documentation.
However, the word is not limited to financial or legal matters. You might describe someone as having undeclared feelings for another person, meaning they have not expressed their romantic interest openly. A college student who has not chosen a major is often referred to as an undeclared student.
In international relations, "undeclared war" refers to armed conflict that isn't formally recognized as such by the involved parties. This can have significant legal and political implications.
So, whether it is income, goods, feelings, intentions, or even a state of conflict, undeclared describes something that has not been reported, stated, or made official yet. Sometimes it is deliberately concealed, and sometimes it is simply still unstated.
Examples
- 1
College major
When I started college, I was still undeclared, so I took classes in several subjects.
Domain
in college, be undeclared
not have chosen your main subject yet
- 2
Customs
She was stopped at the airport for carrying undeclared goods in her suitcase.
- 3
Tax income
The tax office is investigating him for undeclared income.
- 4
Labor law
The restaurant was fined for employing undeclared workers.
Domain
undeclared workers
workers not officially registered with the government
- 5
Military conflict
For years, the two countries were involved in an undeclared war.
Phrase
undeclared war
fighting without an official declaration of war
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- undeclaredadjective