Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Free from marks, spots, or discoloration: Not having any visible stains, dirt, or marks.
   • Not dyed or colored: Not having been treated with a dye, pigment, or stain.
   • Morally pure; untarnished: Free from moral blemish or corruption; maintaining a clean reputation.

Usage and Examples

• Describing physical cleanliness:
  • She managed to keep her white dress unstained throughout the entire dinner party.
  • The laboratory requires unstained glass slides for the initial sample preparation.
• Describing an untreated or natural state:
  • The carpenter preferred the look of unstained oak, showcasing its natural grain.
  • The report was printed on unstained, bright white paper.
• Describing reputation or character:
  • After a long career in public service, she retired with an unstained record of integrity.
  • His motives remained unstained by personal greed.

Advanced Usage

• "Unstained by": Used figuratively to indicate freedom from a negative influence or association.
  • Her joy was unstained by any envy of others' success.
  • The historical narrative strives to be unstained by modern political bias.

Variants and Related Words

• Stainless (adj): Without stains; also can mean resistant to staining (e.g., stainless steel) or morally pure.
• Unblemished (adj): Not damaged or marked in any way; perfect. Often used interchangeably with "unstained" for reputation.
• Untarnished (adj): Not dulled or discolored; (of reputation) not spoiled. A close synonym in figurative use.
• Unsullied (adj): Not spoiled or made impure. Very similar to "unstained" in metaphorical contexts.

Synonyms

• Spotless: Completely clean or pure.
• Immaculate: Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy.
• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
• Pure: Not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or element; free of moral fault.

Antonyms

• Stained: Marked or discolored with something that is not easily removed.
• Sullied: Tarnished or disgraced, especially in reputation.
• Tainted: Contaminated or affected by a bad or undesirable quality.
• Blemished: Spoiled or damaged, especially on the surface.

Notes on Usage

• "Unstained" vs. "Stainless": While similar, "stainless" is more commonly used for materials that resist staining (e.g., ), whereas "unstained" describes the current state of being free from stains (e.g., ).
• Figurative Use: When used to describe reputation, character, or abstract concepts, "unstained" is formal and literary.

Adjective

1. (of reputation) free from blemishes
   • his unsullied name
   • an untarnished reputation
2. without soil or spot or stain
3. not having a coating of stain or varnish
4. not stained
   • An apron keeps his clothing unstained