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unconquered
/ˌʌnˈkɒŋkərd/
What does "unconquered" mean in English?
not defeated or controlledThe unconquered spirit of the pioneers drove them forward.
The pioneers' unyielding determination, which was not subdued by challenges, motivated them to keep moving forward.
How to use "unconquered" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
literary
Not having been defeated, conquered, or brought under control
The unconquered lands of the frontier called to adventurers.
The unexplored territories that remained free from domination attracted daring explorers.
Her unconquered will inspired the team to never give up.
Her unbroken determination motivated the team to persist despite difficulties.
Often used metaphorically to describe resilience, freedom, or unyielding spirit.
Collocations
unconquered spiritunbroken determination or resilienceunconquered landsterritories not subdued by force or control
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'unconquerable'
'Unconquered' describes a state of not having been defeated, while 'unconquerable' describes a quality of being impossible to defeat. Compare: 'The army remained unconquered' vs. 'The army was unconquerable.'
Gold Rule
Use 'unconquered' for past states, 'unconquerable' for inherent traits
Reserve 'unconquered' for describing something that has not been defeated (e.g., 'an unconquered champion'), and use 'unconquerable' for describing something that cannot be defeated (e.g., 'an unconquerable spirit').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'unconquered', from Old French 'non conquis' (not conquered), from Latin 'non' (not) + 'conquestus' (past participle of 'conquere' meaning 'to conquer'). The prefix 'un-' negates the past participle 'conquered'.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in literary, historical, or metaphorical contexts to emphasize resilience, freedom, or persistence. Less common in everyday speech.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixconquered
defeated or brought under control
rootEnglish Dictionary