Unconditional

/ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃənəl/

adjectivemedium📊CommonQuality
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

Not dependent on any conditions; absolute.

/ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃənəl/

adjectivepositivemedium
Quality

Not subject to any conditions or limitations.

She offered him unconditional support throughout his illness.

💡 Simply: Imagine giving a friend a gift without expecting anything in return. That's unconditional! It means there are no strings attached.

👶 For kids: When something is unconditional, it means there are no rules or conditions. Like a mommy's love is unconditional.

More Examples

2

The unconditional love of a pet can be very comforting.

3

The charity provided unconditional aid to the victims of the disaster.

How It's Used

Legal

"The judge granted an unconditional pardon to the defendant."

Relationships

"A parent's love should be unconditional."

Military

"The enemy offered an unconditional surrender."

Idioms & expressions

Unconditional love

Love given without any requirements or restrictions.

"Parents often express unconditional love for their children."

Unconditional Surrender

Surrender without any conditions or negotiation.

"The general demanded the enemy's unconditional surrender."

From Old French *incondicional*, from Latin *in-* (not) + *condicio* (condition).

The word 'unconditional' started appearing in English in the late 17th century, initially in theological discussions about divine grace.

Memory tip

Think of UN- being the opposite of, and CONDITIONAL being a set of rules. Thus, UNCONDITIONAL means without rules.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"not + condition"

unconditional loveunconditional surrenderunconditional supportunconditional acceptance

Common misspellings

uncondtionalunconditionnal

Usage

35%Spoken
65%Written