unconditional
Americanadjective
-
not limited by conditions; absolute.
an unconditional promise.
- Synonyms:
- categorical, unqualified, unreserved
-
Mathematics. absolute.
adjective
-
without conditions or limitations; total
unconditional surrender
-
maths (of an equality) true for all values of the variable
(x+1)>x is an unconditional equality
Other Word Forms
- unconditionality noun
- unconditionally adverb
- unconditionalness noun
Etymology
Origin of unconditional
First recorded in 1660–70; un- 1 + conditional
Explanation
Whether it’s love, support, or surrender, if something’s unconditional it’s absolute and not subject to any special terms or conditions: it’ll happen no matter what else happens. Breaking apart the word unconditional can help you remember its meaning. Combine the prefix un-, meaning “not,” with conditional, meaning "dependent on something else," and you get an adjective for something that holds true without any conditions attached. The unconditional forgiveness you promised your brother means you forgive him no matter what. You’re not attaching any requirements — like you’ll only forgive him if he’s nicer to you or pays you money. You just forgive him — it's absolute.
Vocabulary lists containing unconditional
Tuesdays with Morrie
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
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Code Talker
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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.
"The full and unconditional re-opening of the Strait must be a central part not just of the current ceasefire but of the long term future for the region," she will reiterate.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Top envoys for the Group of Seven advanced economies and the European Union on Saturday urged an "immediate and unconditional" end to Iran's attacks against allies in the Middle East.
From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026
When St Andrews gave him an unconditional offer, he took a closer look at the school’s computer-science program, its cost and the “Harry Potter-esque” campus.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
It has also been used when a player retires at a young age without getting an unconditional release, but then returns to playing.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026
Dad thought Celia needed consequences and incentives, and Mom thought she needed unconditional support.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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.
