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ungoverned

ungoverned

3 7.1
Not controlled and showing no restraint
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈɡʌvərnd/
translation icon : no gobernado
  • If the situation worsens in Pakistan's ungoverned spaces, the Afghan government will have to build even stronger security forces and local communities.
  • ungoverned space
  • ungoverned area

Examples

  • The rural areas became increasingly ungoverned as the central authority withdrew its support.

  • Without any regulations, the marketplace turned into an ungoverned environment where anything could happen.

  • But action ungoverned is not action in service of the Lord.

  • I assure you, our country will not be ungoverned even for a moment.

  • It will put fewer lives at risk, but it will lead to more ungoverned spaces.

  • And in a place like Mong La, a border town of ungoverned criminals?

  • Of course, there are spoilers on many sides: individuals or ungoverned groups that might do something beyond the pale.

    Blog text (17)
  • "The country cannot remain ungoverned even for one hour," he said, and wished Samaras good luck in his exploratory talks with party leaders.

    Blog text (22)
  • The program takes a new approach to address emerging and acute threats in an environment of weak states, rapidly developing threats, and ungoverned areas that can be exploited as terrorist safe havens.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Just as Washington and other Western governments had to update domestic law in the wake of 9/11, so too must they now launch an effort to modernize international law so that it addresses the problem of ungoverned spaces and the outmoded distinction between war and peace.

    Academic text (2010)

Synonyms

unchecked
vsungoverned
34 4.9

Allowed to continue without control

emphasizes absence of outside rules and formal discipline rather than only no intervention
uncontrolled
vsungoverned
31 3.9

Not kept within limits, like a fire or a strong feeling

focuses on lack of external rules and formal discipline
unfettered
vsungoverned
28 7.3

Free from limits or rules

points to absence of outside authority and formal discipline rather than pure freedom
unregulated
vsungoverned
26 4.9

Not controlled by rules or laws

points to lack of broader authority and discipline beyond legal rules
unbridled
vsungoverned
25 7.3

Very strong feelings or actions that are not kept under control

applies to broader absence of outside authority and discipline rather than only emotion
undisciplined
vsungoverned
18 4.6

Unable to control yourself or follow rules

describes absence of outside authority and structured discipline rather than inner self control
unconstrained
vsungoverned
3 6.1

Not limited or held back and able to act freely

points to lack of external rules and formal discipline rather than mere freedom
untrammeled
vsungoverned
  • Formal
2 8.3

Free and not limited by rules

focuses on lack of outside authority and discipline rather than only missing limits
unhindered
vsungoverned
1 4.6

Free to move forward without being stopped

refers more to missing outside rules and formal discipline rather than just no obstruction
unmanaged
vsungoverned
1 5.2

Something that no person or system controls

indicates lack of outside authority and formal discipline rather than only poor care
unhampered
vsungoverned
1 5.3

Free to move or act without being stopped

means lack of outside authority and discipline rather than only no obstacles
uncurbed
vsungoverned
7.9

Not kept under control and without limits

focuses on missing external rules and formal discipline rather than mere missing checks
noncontrolled
vsungoverned
6.4

Not under official rules or direct management by an authority

highlights missing general authority and discipline rather than only lacking oversight
unregimented
vsungoverned
6.7

Not kept to strict rules and giving people freedom to choose

emphasizes lack of outside authority and formal discipline rather than only looseness
untempered
vsungoverned
8.4

Very strong and not held back

means absence of outside authority and formal discipline rather than simple lack of moderation
unconfined
vsungoverned
4.7

Without walls or edges, things move freely

focuses on absence of outside authority and discipline rather than spatial openness
unruled
vsungoverned
6.7

A place not controlled by any government or leader

is broader, meaning missing general authority and discipline not only political rule
unled
vsungoverned
8.4

A team that has no one in charge to guide or make decisions

focuses on absence of outside authority and formal discipline not only missing leadership

Antonyms

10 4.2

Acting in a controlled, orderly way and following rules because of training or self-control

Kept within limits by careful management

How Controlled

regulated
4.1
undisciplined
18 4.6
unruly
41 4.3
ungoverned
3 7.1
chaotic
116 4.7

Surface Forms

ungoverned positive

Morphology

ungoverned = governed (transparent) = un + govern + ed

Formed by productive prefixation un- + the past-participle/adjectival 'governed', giving the clear meaning 'not governed'.

Etymology

Ungoverned is formed from un- meaning 'not' and governed, from a root that meant 'to steer' or 'to control', the same idea in government and governor. So something ungoverned is like a ship with no one to steer it: not controlled or kept in order.