uncivilized

/ʌnˈsɪvəlaɪzd/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈsɪvəlaɪzd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd/ (ame, mw)

uncivilized — adjective

1. showing a lack of basic politeness, kindness, or respect for others — the kind o

1.形容詞B2
釋義

showing a lack of basic politeness, kindness, or respect for others — the kind of conduct that makes a community unpleasant to live in.

例句

Pim found it uncivilized to shout at the waiter over a tiny mistake.

pattern: find it uncivilized to + verb

The way the fans treated the losing team seemed truly uncivilized.

seem uncivilized — predicative use

同義詞
  • barbaric

    stronger and more shocking, often suggesting physical cruelty

  • brutal

    focuses on violent or harsh treatment

  • unsavoury

    milder, describing behaviour that makes people uncomfortable but not necessarily cruel

反義詞
  • civilized

    direct opposite; behaving with politeness and respect

  • polite

    refers specifically to good manners and courtesy

  • humane

    stresses compassion and kindness toward others

文法句型

find something uncivilized

it is uncivilized to + verb

seem uncivilized

用法筆記

Usually describes actions or behaviour, not people directly. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 focuses on rudeness or cruelty within a developed society, while sense 2 describes a way of life that lacks modern technology or systems.

常見錯誤

❌He is an uncivilized person.
✅His behaviour during the meeting was uncivilized.
💡in modern English, use this sense for actions or conduct, not as a label for someone's entire character.
❌The uncivilized child did not say thank you.
✅The child was rude
💡he did not say thank you.' — 'uncivilized' is too strong for minor impoliteness; use 'rude' for everyday lapses.

2. without the technology, organised government, or education systems that people i

2.形容詞B2
釋義

without the technology, organised government, or education systems that people in wealthier countries now expect as normal.

例句

The hikers found the mountain cabin uncivilized — no electricity or running water.

pattern: find something uncivilized (conditions)

Kian described the prison cells as uncivilized and unfit for anyone.

uncivilized + living conditions

同義詞
  • primitive

    also problematic when applied to people, but common for describing basic technology or living conditions

  • undeveloped

    more neutral for places without modern infrastructure

  • backward

    stigmatising; best avoided in formal writing

反義詞
  • modern

    describes places or systems with up-to-date technology and services

  • developed

    neutral term for countries or areas with strong infrastructure

  • civilized

    direct opposite, but also carries the same colonial baggage

文法句型

uncivilized conditions

uncivilized way of life

live in uncivilized circumstances

用法筆記

When applied to entire peoples or cultures, this word is widely considered offensive because it wrongly suggests that some ways of life are less advanced than others. To avoid offence, use this sense today only about living conditions, infrastructure, or specific situations — not about groups of people.

常見錯誤

❌The tribe lives in an uncivilized region.
✅The community lives without electricity or paved roads.
💡describing groups as 'uncivilized' is seen as disrespectful and colonial; describe what is present or absent instead.
❌The uncivilized parts of the country lack schools.
✅Remote parts of the country lack schools.
💡avoid the word when a neutral description like 'remote', 'rural', or 'undeveloped' works better.