What does uninstalled mean?
“Uninstalled” is the past-tense and past-participle form of “uninstall,” meaning to remove an application, program, or other software from a computer or device. It can also function attributively as an adjective, as in “an uninstalled app,” describing software that is not present in its installed state. The term is characteristic of computing and software management: a user might uninstall a program because it is no longer needed, because it conflicts with another application, or to reclaim storage space. In everyday technical guidance, the verb often appears with objects such as software, an app, a program, or an update. The word is more precise than simply “deleted,” because uninstalling may remove program files without deleting every associated file, setting, or piece of personal data; complete removal may require additional steps. In contrast, “installed” means that the software has been placed and configured on the device. “Uninstalled” is therefore useful when describing both an action already taken and the resulting state of a system, although “removed” can serve as a broader synonym in many contexts.
To remove an application, program, or other software from a computer or device.
"The technician uninstalled the conflicting software and restarted the computer."
The past tense and past participle of uninstall; especially common in computing contexts.
Not installed or present in its normal installed state.
"The application remained uninstalled until the administrator completed the setup."
This is a participial adjective use and is most common in technical or computing language.
Uninstalling an app does not always erase the data it left behind—a small but useful distinction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uninstalled come from?
The modern verb uninstall combines the prefix un- with install, reversing the process of putting software or another component into place. Install entered English in the 16th century from French installer, ultimately derived from Medieval Latin installare. Uninstall developed as a later computing-era formation, and uninstalled is its regular past-tense and past-participle form.
How uninstalled is actually used
This is standard computing terminology. It commonly refers to removing applications or programs, whereas package-management systems often use terms such as remove or erase. The form can also function attributively, as in “an uninstalled app.”