unbridled
/ʌnˈbraɪdld/ (bre, ipa) · [ənbrˈaɪdəld] /ʌnˈbraɪdld/ (ame, ipa) · [ənbrˈaɪdəld] /ˌən-ˈbrī-dᵊld How to pronounce unbridled (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unbridled — adjective
- unbridledpositive
- more unbridledcomparative
- most unbridledsuperlative
1. used to describe feelings, behaviour, or influence that is not held back within
used to describe feelings, behaviour, or influence that is not held back within normal or sensible limits, often so strongly that it causes problems or seems too extreme.
The dictator's unbridled cruelty finally sparked a rebellion across the country.
collocation: unbridled cruelty
Jabari's unbridled enthusiasm for the project inspired everyone on his team.
collocation: unbridled enthusiasm
Rania warned that unbridled growth would damage the city's historic districts.
The novel describes an era of unbridled greed among the wealthy elite.
After Mira won the prize, her unbridled joy brought tears to her grandmother's eyes.
- uncontrolled
broader meaning and less formal; can be used in medical or technical contexts where 'unbridled' sounds odd
- unrestrained
very close in meaning, but slightly less dramatic; common in formal writing about behaviour
- unchecked
emphasises that nothing is stopping something from growing or spreading, often used with 'power', 'growth', 'ambition'
- wild
more informal and positive; 'wild enthusiasm' suggests energy, while 'unbridled enthusiasm' suggests excess
- restrained
the closest single-word opposite; suggests deliberate control over one's emotions or behaviour
- controlled
broader opposite; used in many contexts where 'unbridled' cannot be used literally
文法句型
unbridled + abstract noun (enthusiasm / greed / joy / ambition)
用法筆記
Almost always used with abstract nouns describing emotions, behaviour, or power. The tone is frequently negative, suggesting that the lack of control leads to undesirable results. Unlike 'uncontrolled', 'unbridled' is primarily figurative and rarely appears in technical or medical contexts.