Lacking formal teaching, training, or guidance on a particular subject or skill; not having received specific instructions. This implies a state of unfamiliarity with the correct procedures, knowledge, or techniques required to perform a task or understand a concept. An un-instructed individual might rely on instinct, intuition, observation, or trial-and-error to navigate a situation. The term highlights the absence of deliberate and structured learning. It can also refer to a situation or context where no specific directions have been given, leading to uncertainty and potential for error.
Un-instructed meaning with examples
- The child, un-instructed in the art of baking, proceeded to mix the ingredients in a highly unorthodox manner. The resulting cake was a chaotic concoction, but it was made with all the passion of youth. Despite the untidy process and eventual product, the sheer enjoyment she found in the activity was the only requirement.
- Faced with a complex technical problem, the un-instructed programmer struggled to find a solution. They knew little of the coding language, and they tried to decipher the meaning of the code for several days, and it didn't help.
- The hikers were un-instructed in wilderness survival techniques, which resulted in them losing the trail several times. They learned lessons in hard weather, and eventually, their hike took far longer than they had initially planned and budgeted for.
- Because the new employees were un-instructed on company policies, they frequently violated them. Consequently, HR had to work overtime to give the employees remedial work and courses and teach them about their new work.
- The museum visitors, un-instructed about the artist's intention, interpreted the abstract artwork in various ways. No one knew what the artist meant, but all were fascinated by the art piece.