unadulterated
gb/ˌʌnədˈʌltɚˌeɪtɪd/ us/ˌʌnədˈʌltɚˌeɪtɪd/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
pure; not mixed or diluted
completely pure; with nothing else added
Usage pattern:
unadulterated [substance]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse it with 'unfiltered' (only removes solids) or use it for people rather than substances.
Synonyms
pure (Most general, common equivalent.)
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undiluted (Emphasizes not being watered down or weakened.)
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untainted (Emphasizes not being contaminated.)
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uncut (Often used for drugs or alcohol, meaning not mixed with cheaper material.)
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genuine (Emphasizes authenticity rather than chemical purity.)
Antonyms
adulterated (Mixed with something inferior or harmful.)
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diluted (Weakened by adding liquid or another substance.)
|
impure (Not completely clean or pure.)
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tainted (Spoiled or contaminated.)
Collocations
unadulterated milk
|unadulterated honey
|unadulterated alcohol
|unadulterated whiskey
|unadulterated olive oil
|unadulterated gold
|unadulterated sample
|unadulterated product
|unadulterated drug
|unadulterated substance
Themes
food_and_drink
|health
|science
Examples
- The lab tests showed the honey was unadulterated and free of added sugar.
- He prefers unadulterated whiskey, without mixers or ice.
- The company was fined for selling olive oil that was not truly unadulterated.
Learner examples
- This juice is unadulterated, with no added water.
- They sell unadulterated honey at the market.
adjective
C1
property
2
complete; sheer; absolute
complete; 100% (used for emphasis)
Usage pattern:
unadulterated [feeling/quality]
Common mistake:
Often overused where simpler words like 'pure' or 'complete' sound more natural.
Synonyms
sheer (Very common as an intensifier; slightly less formal.)
|
utter (Strong intensifier, often with negatives (e.g., utter nonsense).)
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absolute (Highlights total degree; more neutral.)
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pure (Common in the same emphatic pattern (pure joy).)
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unalloyed (More literary/formal; close in meaning.)
Antonyms
mixed (Containing more than one feeling or quality.)
|
qualified (Not total; limited by conditions or exceptions.)
|
tempered (Made less extreme by something else.)
Collocations
unadulterated joy
|unadulterated pleasure
|unadulterated delight
|unadulterated misery
|unadulterated hatred
|unadulterated contempt
|unadulterated nonsense
|unadulterated rubbish
|unadulterated praise
|unadulterated success
Themes
emotions
|communication
Examples
- The article was unadulterated nonsense from start to finish.
- Seeing her name on the list was unadulterated joy.
- His apology sounded like unadulterated self-pity.
Learner examples
- Winning the prize was unadulterated joy.
- That rumor is unadulterated nonsense.
adjective
formal
C1
property
3
not altered or tampered with
the original, not changed version
Usage pattern:
unadulterated [version/account/recording]
Common mistake:
May be confused with 'unedited'; 'unadulterated' is broader and can imply no deceptive change.
Synonyms
unaltered (Directly means unchanged.)
|
unedited (Focuses on editing/cutting.)
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uncensored (Focuses on removing restricted content.)
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unmanipulated (Focuses on not being digitally or intentionally changed.)
Antonyms
edited (Changed by cutting, rewriting, or revising.)
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censored (Changed by removing sensitive content.)
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altered (Changed from the original form.)
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doctored (Changed deceptively to mislead.)
Collocations
unadulterated version
|unadulterated account
|unadulterated text
|unadulterated footage
|unadulterated recording
|unadulterated evidence
|unadulterated data
Themes
media
|publishing
|law_and_crime
Examples
- The court requested the unadulterated footage rather than a shortened clip.
- She wanted an unadulterated account of what happened, without rumors or spin.
- The publisher released the unadulterated text after years of heavy editing.
Learner examples
- Please send the unadulterated version of the file.
- We need unadulterated footage for the report.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unadulterated
IPA
GB/ˌʌnədˈʌltɚˌeɪtɪd/
US/ˌʌnədˈʌltɚˌeɪtɪd/
Syllables & stress
unadul - ter - ated (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ated)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unadulterated
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.