unconditioned
unconditioned Lexical Profile
unconditioned Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Occurring naturally and automatically in response to a stimulus without prior training or learning (in behavioral psychology).
"Salivating at the smell of food is an unconditioned reflex in dogs."
Not subject to conditions, limitations, or external antecedent causes; absolute (especially in philosophy and metaphysics).
"The philosopher argued that the ultimate ground of existence must be completely unconditioned."
Not treated, acclimated, or prepared for a specific state, use, or environment (such as air that is not heated or cooled, or an athlete who is out of shape).
"Allowing unconditioned outdoor air to leak into the building significantly increased the humidity levels."
Word Nuance & Usage
In behavioral psychology and philosophy, 'unconditioned' describes an innate response or an absolute metaphysical reality, whereas 'unconditional' is used in everyday language to mean without limits or conditions (such as 'unconditional love').