What does undiluted mean?
Undiluted means that something has not been weakened by the addition of another substance, particularly liquid. Undiluted vinegar, bleach, alcohol, and concentrated juices retain their full strength or purity. The word can also describe opinions, emotions, criticism, or creative work that is presented without moderation: an undiluted reaction may be uncompromising, while undiluted criticism is direct and possibly severe. This figurative use often carries a slightly critical undertone because it implies an excess of intensity or a lack of refinement. Undiluted is especially common in instructions, product descriptions, safety warnings, and figurative discussion. It is closely related in meaning to pure and unadulterated, but more specifically emphasizes the absence of dilution rather than general purity alone.
adjectiveNot diluted: containing its full strength, concentration, or purity. By extension, undiluted describes something complete, unaltered, or expressed without restraint.
- Not diluted; at full strength, concentration, or purity.
- Complete or unmodified in quality, intensity, or expression.
"Add the undiluted juice to the sauce and season it to taste."
"The instructions warn that the cleaning solution must be used undiluted."
"Her response was an undiluted criticism of the proposal."
Undiluted means the original strength, unaltered: whether in a bottle or in an opinion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does undiluted come from?
Undiluted was formed in the early 19th century by combining the negative prefix un- with dilute. English dilute derives from Latin diluere, meaning “to mix with water” or “to wash away,” through the Latin past participle dilutus. Related English words include dilution and diluent, while deluge belongs to the same broader Latin etymological family.
How undiluted is actually used
Common in British and American English. In figurative use, it often suggests that an emotion, criticism, or quality is being expressed at full force, without moderation.