Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking in discipline or control: Describes behavior, actions, or individuals that show a lack of self-control, order, or restraint.
   • Not subjected to discipline or correction: Describes something or someone that has not been trained, controlled, or corrected to follow rules or standards.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The teacher found the undisciplined classroom very difficult to manage. (The teacher found the classroom, which lacked order and control, very difficult to manage.)
  • His undisciplined spending habits eventually led to financial trouble. (His spending habits, which lacked restraint, eventually led to financial trouble.)
  • The army unit was ineffective because it was undisciplined. (The army unit was ineffective because it was not properly trained or controlled.)

Advanced Usage

• "Undisciplined" to describe raw potential: Often used to describe talent or energy that is present but not channeled or controlled effectively.
  • She was a brilliant but undisciplined artist, often missing deadlines. (She was a brilliant artist whose work lacked consistent application and control, often missing deadlines.)

Variants and Related Words

• Undisciplined is the standard adjective form.
• Disciplined (adj): Showing controlled behavior or training; the direct opposite.
  • The disciplined athlete followed a strict training regimen.
• Indiscipline (n): A state or quality of lacking discipline.
  • The team's failure was due to sheer indiscipline.

Synonyms

• Unruly: Difficult to control or manage.
• Uncontrolled: Not restrained or regulated.
• Willful: Stubborn and determined to have one's own way.

Antonyms

• Disciplined: Showing a controlled form of behavior or way of working.
• Orderly: Neatly and methodically arranged.
• Restrained: Kept under control.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To run wild": To behave in an uncontrolled or undisciplined way.
  • Without a manager, the project team began to run wild. (Without a manager, the project team began to behave in an uncontrolled and undisciplined manner.)

Adjective

1. lacking in discipline or control
   • undisciplined behavior
   • ungoverned youth
2. not subjected to correction or discipline
   • let her children grow up uncorrected
3. not subjected to discipline
   • undisciplined talent