untainted
Britishadjective
Explanation
Something that's untainted has not been spoiled or contaminated. After a flood, a homeowner is lucky to find papers and photos that are untainted by the mildew that covers most of his things. While untainted can describe things that are physically unspoiled or free from contaminants, it's more common to use the adjective to talk about the character of a person or group. A candidate with an untainted reputation has no record of controversy, and a town that's untainted by chain stores might have a more charming, old-fashioned character. The moral sense of the word — "pure," in a religious way — was the earliest meaning.
Vocabulary lists containing untainted
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 19
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Odd One Out
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Shout
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They likely recognize that degrees untainted by preferences will have greater market value.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026
Of course, in our terminally divided culture, no success remains untainted for long.
From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024
Having spent much of the 1990s in school, Navalny was untainted by the turbulent politics of the period, which is remembered as one of deep trauma by many Russians.
From Slate • Feb. 16, 2024
That sentiment remained untainted despite his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024
She giggles as the paper tickles her face, but even her untainted happiness isn’t enough to cheer me up today.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
