unquestioned
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnkwˈɛstʃənd/
US
- /ənˈkwɛstʃənd/
Description
- Undisputed
- Accepted without doubt
- Not challenged
- Taken as certain
Something that is unquestioned is accepted as true, right, or important without people arguing against it. It may be a belief that everyone accepts, a fact no one doubts, or a person whose authority is not challenged. Think of a leader whose position remains unquestioned, or a musician whose talent is unquestioned by critics and fans alike.
It can also describe something that seems so clear or so widely accepted that questioning it feels unnecessary. For example, "Her talent was unquestioned" means everyone agreed she was highly skilled. "The king's authority remained unquestioned for decades" means no one openly challenged his power. Sometimes, though, something becomes unquestioned simply because people are used to it or are afraid to speak up.
To say something is "unquestioned" is to say that it is not doubted or challenged. The word suggests a very high level of acceptance. People may see the thing as obviously true, fully proven, widely respected, or simply too established to argue with. This is not always about what is actually true; sometimes it is about how completely others accept it.
You might see unquestioned used for reputation, skill, truth, or authority. If someone has "unquestioned honesty," people fully trust that person's character. If a scientist's result is described as unquestioned, it means no one seriously doubts it. If a ruler's authority is unquestioned, it means that authority is accepted and not resisted.
However, unquestioned is not always positive. It can suggest trust and certainty, but it can also suggest a lack of critical thought. An unquestioned belief may be deeply respected, or it may be left unexamined for too long. An unquestioned authority may bring order, but it may also leave no room for disagreement.
Consider the phrase "unquestioned leader." It suggests a person whose position is fully accepted, but it can also hint at power that no one dares to test. The word can also describe something so clear that doubt disappears: "His bravery was unquestioned after he rescued the children from the fire."
So, unquestioned is not just about certainty. It is also about the absence of doubt, debate, or resistance. Depending on the context, it can suggest confidence, respect, habit, fear, or silence.
Examples
- 1
Team leadership
By the end of the season, she was the team's unquestioned leader.
- 2
Talent judgment
His talent is unquestioned, even by his critics.
- 3
Accepted explanation
For years, his explanation went unquestioned.
- 4
Hidden assumptions
The book challenges several unquestioned assumptions about success.
- 5
Workplace authority
In that office, her authority was unquestioned.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unquestionedadjective