unconditioned

/ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃnd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃnd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-kən-ˈdi-shənd/ (ame, mw)

unconditioned — adjective

  • unconditionedpositive
  • more unconditionedcomparative
  • most unconditionedsuperlative

1. existing in a person or animal as a natural quality from birth, rather than bein

1.形容詞C1
釋義

existing in a person or animal as a natural quality from birth, rather than being developed through learning, training, or experience

例句

A newborn baby's ability to suck is an unconditioned reflex that appears right after birth.

common term: unconditioned reflex

Tanvi's fear of loud noises was an unconditioned reaction, not something she had learned.

同義詞
  • innate

    more general; not limited to psychology contexts

  • inborn

    slightly more informal; used for personal traits

  • instinctive

    focuses on automatic, unlearned behavior

反義詞
  • conditioned

    learned through training or experience

  • acquired

    gained over time rather than present from birth

用法筆記

This sense is most common in psychology and physiology, especially paired with the nouns 'reflex', 'response', and 'stimulus' in the context of classical conditioning.

常見錯誤

❌His unconditioned love for his children was obvious.
✅His unconditional love for his children was obvious.
💡'unconditioned' means innate/natural; for love without limits or requirements, use 'unconditional'.

2. given or offered completely, without any limits, restrictions, or special terms

2.形容詞C1
釋義

given or offered completely, without any limits, restrictions, or special terms that must be met

例句

The foundation offered an unconditioned grant that the school could use for any purpose.

collocation: unconditioned grant

Karim received unconditioned praise from his manager after finishing the project early.

同義詞
  • unconditional

    far more common; preferred in everyday and most formal writing

  • absolute

    emphasises completeness rather than absence of terms

  • unrestricted

    focuses on freedom from limitations

反義詞

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal or legal contexts describing gifts, grants, praise, or agreements that carry no attached conditions. 'Unconditional' is more common in everyday use for this meaning.

常見錯誤

❌The donor gave an unconditioned gift, but it could only be used for research.
✅The donor gave an unrestricted gift that the lab could spend however it chose.
💡'Unconditioned' in the 'absolute' sense means no conditions at all; if there are still restrictions, use 'unrestricted' or specify the terms.