unruled

IPA/ˌʌnˈruːld/
IPA/ˌʌnˈruːld/

unruled — adjective

  • unruledpositive
  • more unruledcomparative
  • most unruledsuperlative

1. Describes paper or notebook pages that have a blank, smooth surface with no prin

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

Describes paper or notebook pages that have a blank, smooth surface with no printed lines or guides for writing.

Example

Diya bought a pack of unruled paper for her calligraphy practice.

unruled + noun (paper)

Maeve prefers unruled notebooks because she can write and draw without lines in the way.

Common collocations
  • unruled paper
  • unruled notebook
  • unruled page
  • unruled sketchbook
Synonyms
  • unlined

    Far more common; used interchangeably with 'unruled' for paper.

  • blank

    Broader meaning — implies nothing at all on the page, not just the absence of lines.

Antonyms
  • ruled

    The direct opposite; paper with printed lines.

  • lined

    More common term for paper with guide lines.

Grammar Patterns

unruled + noun (paper, notebook, page)

Common Mistakes

I need unruled paper to write straight lines.
I need lined paper to write straight lines.
Unruled paper has no printed lines, so it does not help keep writing straight.

2. Not under the authority or control of any government, ruler, or organised politi

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

Not under the authority or control of any government, ruler, or organised political power; free from external direction.

Example

The remote island remained unruled by any foreign power for many centuries.

unruled by + noun phrase (foreign power)

Zuri argued that no land should be left unruled, because people need laws to live safely.

Common collocations
  • unruled territory
  • unruled region
  • unruled land
  • unruled zone
Synonyms
  • ungoverned

    Nearly identical meaning; slightly more common in modern political writing.

  • autonomous

    Implies self-governance rather than absence of governance; a positive, empowered state.

  • independent

    Broader term; can refer to nations, organisations, or individuals free from outside control.

Antonyms
  • governed

    Under the control of a government or authority.

  • ruled

    Under the control of a ruler or ruling body.

Grammar Patterns

unruled + noun (territory, region, land, zone)

Usage Note

Typically found in historical or political writing. More common in formal registers than in everyday speech.

Common Mistakes

The child was unruled by his parents.
The child was unruly.
'Unruled' describes a territory or society without government; 'unruly' describes a person who is hard to control.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Unlined' is the most common everyday term for paper without printed lines — you find it on notebook labels and in stationery shops. 'Unruled' means the same thing but is less frequent and sounds slightly more technical, often used in educational or office contexts. 'Blank' is much broader: it describes any surface or document with nothing written or printed on it (a blank page, a blank screen). 'Plain' focuses on simplicity and the absence of decoration (plain paper, plain white envelopes), rather than the specific absence of lines. For example, a shop assistant would say 'Do you want lined or unlined?', while a teacher might write on a supply list 'unruled sketchbooks for the class.'

unlined ↗blank ↗plain ↗

Etymology

English

Formed in English from the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'ruled', the past participle of 'rule'. The paper sense developed from the idea of paper not having printed guide lines (ruled lines). The political sense developed from the idea of a place not being under the control of a ruler or government.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1