unreformed

Imagine an old house that needs repairs—a leaky roof, a cracked foundation, the works. If it's unreformed, those problems are still there; it hasn't been fixed up or changed for the better. The word suggests that something (or someone!) is stubbornly stuck in its ways, resisting improvement. You might describe a politician as an "unreformed spendthrift" if they continue to waste money despite promises to change, or an "unreformed smoker" who keeps reaching for cigarettes even after trying to quit. It implies a lack of progress or a distinct refusal to adapt.

"Unreformed" describes something that has not been changed, improved, or corrected, often with the suggestion that it should have been. It carries a sense of lingering flaws or bad habits. The word is closely tied to the idea of reform, so if something is unreformed, it has not gone through the changes needed to make it better.

Historically, "unreformed" was frequently used to describe political or religious institutions that hadn't undergone necessary changes—think of the "unreformed Parliament" of the early 19th century that resisted modernization. Today, the term is applied more broadly. You might say a character in a novel is an "unreformed rogue" if they continue their mischievous behavior despite facing repeated consequences. Alternatively, you could describe a city as an "unreformed industrial town," meaning it hasn't successfully transitioned away from its polluting past.

It's not simply about being old or traditional; it implies that change is needed but hasn't happened. There is often a hint of disapproval or frustration in the use of the word—a sense that something is stubbornly resisting progress. When you encounter "unreformed," think of something stuck in its ways, needing a makeover, and perhaps unwilling to get one.