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
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.
And unlike similar agreements that the U.S. had struck with dozens of other countries, this one seemed unconditional.
From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026
Farage admitted to receiving the funds but said it was an unconditional gift to fund his personal protection.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
Farage said the £5m gift was given on an "unconditional basis" and it was needed to help with his personal security in future.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Being a parent is all about unconditional love, but the love Monica has for David is not unconditional, despite her choice to imprint.
From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026
They especially feared unconditional surrender, which would allow foreign soldiers to take over their country with no conditions.
From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
