What does uncultivated mean?
Uncultivated is an adjective meaning literally “not cultivated.” It is most often used of land or soil that has not been prepared for growing crops, and of plants or vegetation growing wild. Figuratively, the word refers to a person, mind, style, or performance as lacking education, polish, or sophisticated taste. That figurative use is generally less neutral than direct alternatives such as uneducated or unsophisticated and may sound dismissive or condescending. The word is common in formal and literary English in both British and American usage, although it is less common in everyday conversation than words such as wild or untended. Its history reflects a transition from agriculture to social judgment: the same cultivation metaphor that describes tending a field can describe refining manners, taste, or talent. The adjective’s literal and figurative senses remain useful because they suggest both deliberate neglect and a lack of refinement.
adjectiveNot cultivated; of land or soil, not used for growing crops, or of plants, growing wild. Figuratively, lacking cultural refinement, sophistication, or polish.
- Of land or soil: not used for growing crops or otherwise developed for cultivation.
- Of plants or vegetation: growing wild without deliberate cultivation.
- Of a person, mind, style, or performance: lacking cultural refinement, sophistication, or polish.
"The path crossed acres of uncultivated land where native grasses grew waist-high."
"The path led across acres of uncultivated land, where native grasses grew waist-high."
"Her uncultivated manner concealed a formidable intelligence."
The shift is telling: “not cultivated” for land can become “not refined” for people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncultivated come from?
The adjective was formed in English in the early 17th century by adding the prefix un- to cultivated. Cultivated comes from cultivate, ultimately from Latin cultura, meaning cultivation or care, which is related to colere, “to till” or “tend.” This Latin family also produced English words such as culture and cultivation.
Related word forms
How uncultivated is actually used
The word is formal and literary, especially when describing land or vegetation. Its figurative use can sound dismissive or condescending when applied to a person; depending on the context, words such as unrefined, inexperienced, or unsophisticated may be more suitable.
Easily confused with uncultivated
Uncultivated describes something not deliberately cultivated or refined, whereas unfamiliar describes something not previously known or experienced.