uncivilized
Americanadjective
adjective
-
(of a tribe or people) not yet civilized, esp preliterate
-
lacking culture or sophistication
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncivilized
Explanation
Uncivilized means wild and barbaric, although people also use it to mean impolite. The uncivilized three-year-olds ate lasagna with their hands and then chased the cat around the house before their parents intervened. If a person is civilized, they behave politely. When an entire group or culture is described as civilized, it means they are socially, culturally, or technologically advanced. When you add the prefix un- ("not") you get the opposite: "That town is so uncivilized, they don't even get cellphone reception." And your little brother, burping in the back of the car while he kicks your seat from behind? Definitely uncivilized.
Vocabulary lists containing uncivilized
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.
Vikings weren’t just “simple, uncivilized, barbaric hordes,” says historian after a huge 1,000-year-old textile production site was discovered.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026
Instead, they expressed their hatred through euphemism and impersonal fearmongering, lest they be deemed uncivilized.
From Slate ● Dec. 11, 2024
“In view of Gao’s uncivilized visit and his behavior that may cause harm to giant pandas, he is prohibited from entering the panda base … for life,” the notice said.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2024
“What do they say, ‘anything else would be uncivilized?’
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2022
“Who on earth is this dirty, uncouth, and uncivilized creature?” she demanded.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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.
