Meaning & use
uncontroversial
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Meanings
adjectivecomparableformal
not causing disagreement or argument; accepted by most people
Grammar: Can be used before a noun or after a linking verb: an uncontroversial decision; The choice was uncontroversial.
Patterns
- uncontroversial decision
- seem uncontroversial
- relatively uncontroversial
The proposal was uncontroversial and passed without debate.
Her appointment was seen as an uncontroversial choice.
The new policy is fairly uncontroversial among experts.
adjectivecomparableformal
not likely to cause public disagreement or criticism
Grammar: Often used to describe statements, topics, or actions that are safe and widely accepted.
Patterns
- uncontroversial topic
- uncontroversial statement
- remain uncontroversial
He stuck to uncontroversial topics during the interview.
The film is entertaining but politically uncontroversial.
Word forms
| comparative | more uncontroversial |
|---|---|
| superlative | most uncontroversial |
Common combinations
- relatively uncontroversial
- The changes were relatively uncontroversial and quickly approved.
- largely uncontroversial
- The report was largely uncontroversial, with few objections.
- politically uncontroversial
- She chose a politically uncontroversial topic for her speech.
- uncontroversial decision
- It was an uncontroversial decision that everyone supported.
Synonyms and how they differ
- noncontroversial
- Means the same, but is less common and often used in American English.
- undisputed
- Suggests that no one disagrees at all, while 'uncontroversial' can allow for minor disagreement.
- accepted
- Focuses on being generally agreed, while 'uncontroversial' focuses on not causing argument.
Opposites
Word family
- controversial adjective
- causing a lot of disagreement or argument
- controversy noun
- a lot of public disagreement or argument
- controversially adverb
- in a way that causes disagreement
Commonly confused: uncontroversial or noncontroversial?
uncontroversial vs noncontroversial
This is a less common variant of 'uncontroversial'. Both mean not causing disagreement, but 'uncontroversial' is more standard.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'uncontroversial' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Uncontroversial' means not causing disagreement, so option A fits. The others wrongly connect it with protests or arguments.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “uncontroversial”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.