abandoned

[uh-ban-duhnd]

adjective

1. forsaken or deserted.

   an abandoned building; an abandoned kitten.

2. unrestrained or uncontrolled; uninhibited.

   She danced with abandoned enthusiasm.

3. utterly lacking in moral restraints; shameless; wicked.

   an abandoned and dissolute ruler.

abandoned

/ əˈbændənd /

adjective

1. deserted

   an abandoned windmill

2. forsaken

   an abandoned child

3. unrestrained; uninhibited

   wild, abandoned dancing

4. depraved; profligate

Other Word Forms

• abandonedly adverb
• half-abandoned adjective
• unabandoned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abandoned¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; abandon + -ed ²

Synonym Study

See immoral.