unimproved

American  

[uhn-im-proovd] / ˌʌn ɪmˈpruvd /

adjective

1. not developed to full potential, as resources or the mind.

2. not showing improvement, as one's health, appearance, etc.

3. (of land) not fitted for a profitable use, as by clearing, cultivation, addition of facilities for dwelling or business purposes, or the like.

4. not used to advantage; neglected.

   an unimproved opportunity.

5. (of animal or plant species) not made more useful or attractive by selective breeding or cultivation.

6. not enhanced; not increased.

   Our chance of success is unimproved.

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unimproved British  

/ ˌʌnɪmˈpruːvd /

adjective

1. not improved or made better

2. (of land) not cleared, drained, cultivated, etc

3. neglected; unused

   unimproved resources

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Etymology

Origin of unimproved

First recorded in 1665–70; un- ¹ + improve ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

However, Plantlife said violet coral was usually found in "unimproved grassland", with pink waxcap more often seen in western Britain, particularly in Wales on sheep-grazed acid grassland.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

Workers in the buildings with good ventilation and lower levels of indoor pollution scored 26.4% higher than those in the unimproved buildings.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 5, 2021

The judge cites state law granting immunity to governments from injuries occurring on unimproved public property, or land that is in its natural condition.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2018

Cederberg and McClaughry became part of what seemed to be a regional death watch, with regular updates on their mostly unimproved conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2017

Hominy Ridge was nothing but an out-of-date, unimproved, one-room country schoolhouse in the backwoodsiest corner of Indiana.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck