unselective

IPA/ˌʌn.sɪˈlek.tɪv/
IPA/ˌʌn.səˈlek.t̬ɪv/

unselective — adjective

  • unselectivepositive
  • more unselectivecomparative
  • most unselectivesuperlative

1. choosing or accepting things without thinking carefully about which ones are bes

1.形容詞B2
釋義

choosing or accepting things without thinking carefully about which ones are best or most suitable for you

例句

Tendai was unselective about which books he bought, grabbing anything that caught his eye.

unselective about + noun phrase

The charity's unselective approach to donations meant they received many items they could not sell.

unselective approach to [something]

同義詞
  • indiscriminate

    more formal and more negative; suggests a complete lack of judgement

  • undiscriminating

    focuses on inability or unwillingness to notice differences

  • uncritical

    suggests accepting things without questioning their value

反義詞
  • selective

    the direct opposite; choosing carefully with clear criteria

  • discriminating

    implies refined taste and good judgement

  • picky

    informal; choosy in a fussy way

文法句型

unselective + about + noun phrase

unselective + in + gerund

用法筆記

Often describes a method or behaviour that results in a mixed or low-quality collection because the person did not take time to evaluate each option.

常見錯誤

The restaurant's unselective menu offers something for everyone.
The restaurant's eclectic menu offers something for everyone.
💡'unselective' implies lack of care; 'eclectic' implies a deliberate mix of styles.

2. relating to an educational institution that does not require applicants to take

2.形容詞C1
釋義

relating to an educational institution that does not require applicants to take an entrance exam, accepting all students who meet basic entry conditions

例句

The local community college is unselective, welcoming any student with a high school diploma.

predicative: is unselective

Many unselective universities offer foundation courses to help students prepare for degree-level study.

attributive: unselective + university

同義詞
  • open-access

    common in higher education; suggests no barriers to entry

  • non-selective

    less common but used interchangeably, especially in policy documents

  • comprehensive

    refers specifically to British secondary schools that take all local children regardless of ability

反義詞
  • selective

    requires exam results or specific grades for entry

文法句型

unselective + school / college / university

用法筆記

Commonly used attributively before school, college, or university. In British English, 'unselective' is the standard term for state schools that do not select by ability, as opposed to grammar schools or private schools that require entrance exams.

常見錯誤

The non-selective school accepts all students.
The unselective school accepts all students.
💡In British education contexts, 'unselective' is the more established term, though 'non-selective' is also used.