What does uncivilized mean?
Uncivilized means uncouth, barbaric, or lacking the standards of conduct associated with a refined and humane society. It may describe especially brutal behavior, as in “uncivilized violence,” or, less commonly, a community regarded as lacking civilization, cultural development, or political organization. Although the word is still clear and forceful, its historical application to entire peoples has a colonial legacy that makes it a problematic historical label. In contemporary use, it most often appears in formal reporting or historical discussion of cruelty, warfare, exploitation, or disrespect toward human rights. Because it conveys severe disapproval, writers should use it only where a serious judgment is intended. In personal or professional contexts, a precise alternative—such as brutal, barbarous, cruel, or inhumane—may communicate the criticism more clearly and with less historical baggage.
adjectiveLacking civilization, refinement, or courteous behavior; barbaric, primitive, or rude. The word can describe a society or community, but it is also commonly used to characterize especially cruel, brutal, or badly behaved conduct.
- Not refined, courteous, or humane in behavior; barbaric or cruel.
- Lacking civilization, cultural development, or organized social institutions.
"The report condemned the invaders' uncivilized treatment of civilians."
"The treaty ended years of uncivilized warfare between the two factions."
"Historians describe the period as one of uncivilized violence and political repression."
Once used to label entire peoples as “uncivilized,” the word now more often describes conduct—but its colonial baggage still makes it a loaded choice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncivilized come from?
Uncivilized was formed in early modern English from the prefix un- and the verb civilize, with the suffix -ed. Civilize came through French from Latin civilis, which in turn belonged to the family of Latin civis, meaning citizen, and civis, referring to citizenship or a city. English cognates from this wider root include civil, civic, civilian, and civility.
Related word forms
How uncivilized is actually used
The word is formal and strongly disapproving. Its historical use to characterize non-European peoples or societies is now often considered dated, Eurocentric, and offensive; when discussing actual peoples or cultures, specific, evidence-based descriptions are generally preferable.
Easily confused with uncivilized
Uncivil usually means rude or discourteous, whereas uncivilized can also mean lacking civilization or social development more broadly.