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Showing results for unstructured. Search instead for nanostructured.
Synonyms

unstructured

American  
[uhn-struhk-cherd] / ʌnˈstrʌk tʃərd /

adjective

  1. lacking a clearly defined structure or organization.

    an unstructured conference; an unstructured school environment.
unstructured British  
/ ʌnˈstrʌktʃəd /

adjective

  1. without formal structure or systematic organization

  2. without a preformed shape; (esp of clothes) loose; untailored

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unstructured

First recorded in 1940–45; un- 1 + structured

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.

This is a meeting of two sides who want to play, who thrive on unstructured rugby from turnovers, who are at their very best when the game is fast and loose.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

In that traditional view, the genome remained largely unstructured until it "woke up" and initiated its genetic program.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

Sutton found that after leaving FlexJobs, her unstructured time quickly got restructured for her.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

"I'm really hopeful there that we'll see Marcus in space in unstructured opportunities," said England coach Borthwick after naming his team to play Fiji on Thursday.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

Now there was no play, and the pool was not available, unstructured time oppressed them.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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.