nonautonomous

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /nɒnɔˈtɒnəməs/

KK: /nɑnɔˈtɑnəməs/

adjective

Definition

Not able to act independently or make decisions on one's own.

Example

The nonautonomous vehicle requires a driver to operate it safely.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new project at work?

Yeah, I think it's a bit nonautonomous for my taste.

I agree; I prefer when we have more freedom to make decisions.

Exactly! It feels stifling when everything is so controlled.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dependent

subordinate

controlled

Antonyms

independent

autonomous

free

Root Explanation

Nonautonomous → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "autonomous" (from Greek "autonomos", meaning self-governing or independent). The word "nonautonomous" means not self-governing or lacking independence.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'autonomous' meaning 'self-governing' — so nonautonomous describes something that is not self-governing.

Visually Confused Words