WordGarden.iouninhibited
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌnɪnhˈɪbɪtɪd/
US
- /ˌənɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/
Meanings
Adjective
free, open, and unselfconscious in behavior or expression
socially or sexually unrestrained in behavior or presentation
Beyond the definition
Imagine a child building with blocks - they pile them high, knock them down, and create wild structures without worrying about perfection or what others think. That is the essence of "uninhibited." It describes someone who is not held back by fear, social rules, or self-consciousness.
An uninhibited person might speak freely, dance with joy, or express themselves in a natural and open way. Often this feels positive, like an artist creating with full freedom. Sometimes, though, it can suggest too little control or too little concern about limits. Think of a comedian with a bold stage style, or a party where people relax and stop holding back.
"Uninhibited" describes a state of being free from constraint, reservation, or self-consciousness. It suggests a lack of internal or external forces holding someone back from expressing themselves fully. The word comes from the prefix "un-" (meaning not) and "inhibited" (restrained or held back).
You might describe a performance as uninhibited if the artist is completely lost in their craft, showing raw emotion and energy without worrying about how they look. A child playing freely is often described this way - they have not yet developed the social inhibitions that adults have. "Her uninhibited laughter filled the room" suggests genuine joy and little concern for how she might be perceived.
However, "uninhibited" isn't always positive. It can also imply impulsiveness or a disregard for consequences. An uninhibited driver might speed recklessly, while an uninhibited speaker might say things they later regret.
The idea also depends on social norms and expectations. What is considered "uninhibited" can vary a lot across cultures and situations. In some places, open displays of emotion are encouraged; in others, they are frowned upon.
So, whether it is a freeing form of expression or a careless lack of restraint, "uninhibited" points to the absence of inner or outer limits - a state where someone acts without holding back.
Examples
- 1
Old friends
Once she relaxed, she became much more uninhibited around her old friends.
- 2
Children dancing
Small children often show an uninhibited joy when they dance.
- 3
Personal questions
He was surprisingly uninhibited about asking personal questions.
- Patternuninhibited about + topic
not shy or reserved when dealing with it
- 4
Stage performance
The singer gave an uninhibited performance that felt spontaneous and alive.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Open conversation
Their conversation was open and uninhibited, and nobody seemed afraid of saying the wrong thing.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- uninhibited laughter
- uninhibited behavior
- feel uninhibited
Word family
Explore
- expressiveness
- social restraint
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- uninhibitedadjective