unaltered

Unaltered means unchanged from an original condition, with no modification, damage, or other alteration applied. The adjective is useful when the preservation of something matters, whether referring to a physical object, a document, a recording, digital data, or an abstract situation. For example, an unaltered manuscript retains the features it had when it was first created or received, while unaltered data describes information that has remained unchanged during transfer or storage. The word is neutral to formal and can suggest careful preservation or fidelity to an original. Although it is often used as a direct contrast with altered, its emphasis may be stronger where modification or damage is a concern. In everyday writing, unchanged is generally more common, but unaltered can convey greater precision or a more deliberate contrast with an original state.

Not changed, modified, or damaged from an original condition. It may also mean unaffected by alteration.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does unaltered come from?

English unaltered was formed by combining the prefix un- with alter, producing the sense “not changed.” Alter comes from Latin alter, “other,” through a line of Latin usage in which its derivatives came to mean making something different or changing it. Related English forms include alteration, alterable, and alternate.

How unaltered is actually used

The word has a neutral to formal tone and can describe physical objects, texts, digital data, or abstract conditions. It often emphasizes the preservation of an original state, though it does not necessarily imply that something was protected from all possible changes.

What's another word for unaltered?

Words and phrases paired with unaltered

What's the opposite of unaltered?

Rhymes with unaltered