What does uncorrelated mean?
Uncorrelated is an adjective meaning that two or more things have no evident or measurable relationship. In statistics, it describes quantities that show no linear association: a change in one does not reliably correspond to a change in the other. In broader use, the word can mean simply unrelated or unconnected, although that sense is less precise and generally more formal than the specialized statistical meaning. The prefix un- joins correlated, a word derived from the Latin idea of bringing or carrying things together. Uncorrelated is especially useful in research and data analysis, where determining which variables genuinely relate to one another is essential. It should not be confused with correlated, its direct opposite, or with unrelated, a broader term that may imply the absence of any connection. The term is natural in descriptions of variables, results, events, and observations, but it is more specialized than everyday alternatives such as separate, disconnected, or independent.
adjectiveNot correlated; having no evident, measurable, or systematic relationship. In statistics, it refers especially to quantities that have no linear association with one another.
- Having no statistical association, especially no systematic or linear relationship.
- Not connected or related in any evident way.
"The researchers found that temperature and sales were uncorrelated, so the seasonal increase in sales was not explained by the weather."
"The two measurements were uncorrelated, so a change in one did not reliably predict a change in the other."
"Investigators concluded that the two attacks were uncorrelated and found no evidence linking them."
Uncorrelated does not mean meaningless or unimportant; it means that two things may vary independently without showing a reliable pattern together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncorrelated come from?
Uncorrelated is an English formation combining the prefix un-, meaning “not,” with correlated. Correlated belongs to the correlate family and ultimately reflects Latin forms based on com-, meaning “together,” and relatus, a past participle of referre, meaning “to carry back.” The formation developed alongside the English use of correlation to mean a relationship between things, including the later technical sense of statistical association.
How uncorrelated is actually used
The word is especially common in technical and scientific contexts. Outside statistics, it can mean simply unrelated, but that broader use is less precise and relatively formal. Uncorrelated should not automatically be treated as synonymous with independent, since two variables can be uncorrelated while still being related in a nonlinear way.
Easily confused with uncorrelated
Correlated means that two or more things vary together in a systematic way, whereas uncorrelated means that no such relationship has been established.
Unrelated is a broader everyday term meaning not connected, while uncorrelated more precisely denotes the absence of a measurable relationship, especially a statistical one.