uninhibited

IPA/ˌʌnɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/
KK[ˌʌnɪnhˈɪbɪtɪd]IPA/ˌʌnɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

uninhibited — adjective

  • uninhibitedpositive
  • more uninhibitedcomparative
  • most uninhibitedsuperlative

1. able to behave, speak, or express feelings openly and naturally, without feeling

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

able to behave, speak, or express feelings openly and naturally, without feeling embarrassed or tightly controlled.

Example

The children became more uninhibited once the visitors stopped watching them.

became more uninhibited: behaved more naturally

Her uninhibited laugh made the tense meeting feel less formal.

uninhibited + noun: a laugh that is open and natural

Common collocations
  • uninhibited behaviour
  • uninhibited laughter
  • uninhibited expression
  • uninhibited discussion
  • feel uninhibited
  • become more uninhibited
Synonyms
  • unrestrained

    not held back; can be neutral or negative if it suggests too little control

  • spontaneous

    done naturally without planning, but not always about embarrassment

  • free

    broader and simpler; can describe movement, expression, or lack of limits

Antonyms
  • inhibited

    unable to act naturally because of embarrassment or restraint

  • self-conscious

    uncomfortable because you are too aware of yourself

  • restrained

    controlled or held back

Grammar Patterns

uninhibited + noun

be + uninhibited

feel + uninhibited

become + uninhibited

Usage Note

Use 'uninhibited' for behaviour or expression that is open, relaxed, and not held back by embarrassment or social restraint. It is usually positive or neutral, but in some contexts it can suggest too little self-control.

Common Mistakes

Do not use 'uninhibited' just to mean 'allowed'. A rule can be 'unrestricted', but a person or their behaviour is 'uninhibited' when they are not embarrassed or restrained.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Uninhibited usually describes a person, behaviour, laugh, performance, or discussion that feels open and natural because embarrassment or social restraint is not holding it back. Unrestrained is stronger and can sound negative when it suggests a lack of control. Spontaneous focuses on doing something naturally without planning. Free is broader and simpler, and may describe many kinds of lack of limits, not only emotional or social openness.

uninhibited ↗unrestrained ↗spontaneous ↗free ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • feel uninhibited
  • become more uninhibited
  • an uninhibited way

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Uninhibited is formed from 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'inhibited', which means held back by fear, embarrassment, or control.

First known use

1880

1880, in the meaning defined above