Undirected: meaning, definitions and examples

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undirected

 

[ ˌʌndɪˈrɛktɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

graph theory

Not having a direction or orientation; without a specified start or end point.

Synonyms

bidirectional, non-directed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undirected

This is a repeat and is used in the context described above.

  • As stated, 'undirected' describes something not aimed in any particular direction.
  • Researchers collected data from an undirected sample of the population.
bidirectional

This term is suitable when describing something that operates or functions in two directions, commonly used in contexts of communication, roads, or systems.

  • The communication between the two devices is bidirectional.
  • A bidirectional road allows traffic to flow both ways.
non-directed

Similar to 'undirected', but slightly more formal and specific, often used in scientific or technical settings to signify a lack of specific direction or target.

  • The non-directed graph represents a network where all connections are equal.
  • Non-directed donors give organs without specifying the recipient.

Examples of usage

  • In an undirected graph, the edges do not have a direction associated with them.
  • The relationship between the two nodes is undirected, meaning it is bidirectional.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Not guided or controlled; free from restrictions or limitations.

Synonyms

uncontrolled, unrestricted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undirected

Used when something lacks direction or a specific course, often referring to efforts, actions, or communication.

  • Her undirected efforts made it challenging to achieve the project's goals
  • Their conversation was undirected and lacked focus
uncontrolled

Refers to something that is not regulated, restrained, or kept in check, often implying potential danger or chaos.

  • The uncontrolled fire spread quickly through the forest
  • His uncontrolled anger caused many problems
unrestricted

Used when something has no limitations or constraints, often in a positive sense, implying freedom and openness.

  • He enjoys unrestricted access to all company data
  • The unrestricted nature of the internet allows for free information exchange

Examples of usage

  • His undirected approach to life often led to unexpected adventures.
  • She enjoyed the undirected exploration of the new city.

Translations

Translations of the word "undirected" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não direcionado

🇮🇳 अनिर्दिष्ट

🇩🇪 ungerichtet

🇮🇩 tidak terarah

🇺🇦 неспямований

🇵🇱 nieukierunkowany

🇯🇵 無方向の

🇫🇷 non dirigé

🇪🇸 no dirigido

🇹🇷 yönlendirilmemiş

🇰🇷 방향이 없는

🇸🇦 غير موجه

🇨🇿 nesměrovaný

🇸🇰 nesmerovaný

🇨🇳 无向的

🇸🇮 neusmerjen

🇮🇸 óbeind

🇰🇿 бағытталмаған

🇬🇪 მიმართულების გარეშე

🇦🇿 istiqamətsiz

🇲🇽 no dirigido

Etymology

The word 'undirected' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'direct'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century as part of the English language. Over time, it has been widely used in various fields such as mathematics, graph theory, and general language to describe concepts and ideas that lack a specific direction or guidance.

See also: bidirectional, direct, directability, directing, direction, directions, directive, directiveness, directives, directly, directness, director, directorial, directors, directory, indirect, misdirect, misdirection.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,316, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.