Definition

Not having received any training or instruction in a particular skill or area.

Example

The untrained dog struggled to follow commands during the obedience class.

Conversation

I saw a dog at the park today that looked so untrained.

Really? What was it doing?

It was jumping all over the place and chasing everything!

Sounds like it could use some basic training.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Untrained → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "trained" (from the verb "train", which comes from Old French *traïner*, meaning to drag or pull). The word "untrained" means not having been trained or lacking training.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having been 'trained' — that's why untrained means lacking training.

Visually Confused Words