uncivilized
adjective
un·civ·i·lized
ˌən-ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 
1
: not civilized: such as
a
somewhat old-fashioned
: not polite, reasonable, or respectable : objectionable according to social norms
uncivilized language/behavior
—often used humorouslyWe were awakened at an uncivilized hour.
Only the uncivilized would put lettuce and tomato on a true cheeseburger, which God decreed to be accompanied by mustard and dill pickle only.—
Phil Musick
Phil Musick
b
: showing gross disregard for the law or for the fair and humane treatment of people or animals
a brutal and uncivilized punishment
Looting was a wild, lawless, uncivilized thing to do, but I saw enough of it during World War II to understand how even a relatively civilized soldier could do it.—Andrew A. Rooney
Andrew A. Rooney
c
old-fashioned + often offensive
: not having the kinds of social systems, technologies, etc. that are seen in most modern societies
uncivilized [=primitive] cultures
2
: remote from settled areas : wild
… a hidden river, entirely uncivilized with no roads or trails touching it …—Patricia Spring
Patricia SpringExamples of uncivilized in a Sentence
He was awakened at an uncivilized hour.
They believe that capital punishment is uncivilized.
Recent Examples on the Web
This sort of rhetoric only adds to the hysterical nature of contemporary politics, giving respectability to uncivilized behavior.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Under the Omanis, Zanzibar grew rich selling spices, ivory, and slaves, mostly non-Muslims from the interior, whom the island’s élites derided as washenzi, or uncivilized.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022
Forcing a woman to choose between jail and carrying her rapist's baby is uncivilized and medieval.
—CNN, 27 June 2022
There is no doubt uncivilized — and sometimes violent — acts have taken place in school bathrooms.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2022
See All Example Sentences for uncivilized
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The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Under the Omanis, Zanzibar grew rich selling spices, ivory, and slaves, mostly non-Muslims from the interior, whom the island’s élites derided as washenzi, or uncivilized.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022
Forcing a woman to choose between jail and carrying her rapist's baby is uncivilized and medieval.
—CNN, 27 June 2022
There is no doubt uncivilized — and sometimes violent — acts have taken place in school bathrooms.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2022
See All Example Sentences for uncivilized
Cite this Entry
“Uncivilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncivilized. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
uncivilized
adjective
un·civ·i·lized
ˌən-ˈsiv-ə-ˌlīzd
1
: not civilized : lacking culture or refinement
2
: far from civilization : wild
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