Uncalibrated

The adjective 'uncalibrated' describes something that has not been accurately measured, adjusted, or standardized according to a specific scale or reference. It implies a lack of precision, reliability, or established consistency in a measurement or process. This can apply to instruments, systems, data, or even human judgments. An uncalibrated item might produce inaccurate readings, yield inconsistent results, or fail to reflect a true value due to a deviation from a known standard. The term highlights a state of uncertainty and suggests a need for correction or adjustment to ensure the accuracy of its output or function. It often implies a potential for error, affecting the validity and trustworthiness of the derived information or actions based on the item in question.

Uncalibrated meaning with examples

• The weather station's thermometer was uncalibrated, showing temperatures several degrees lower than the actual outside conditions. This made it impossible to accurately assess the daily temperature fluctuations and plan accordingly for outdoor activities. Because the data was unreliable, the recorded information wasn't useful for any research. A calibrated thermometer would provide a much more precise evaluation to assist with forecasting and to assist the environment in a professional and informed manner.
• During the experiment, the spectrophotometer, crucial for measuring light absorption, remained uncalibrated. The experimenters, unaware of the problem, continued to gather data, leading to skewed and untrustworthy results. It was impossible to produce real data. This caused inaccurate interpretations of their findings. Only after repeating the experiment with the now calibrated device, were we able to gain any meaningful conclusions. This highlights the importance of careful preparation.
• The pressure sensors in the manufacturing plant were left uncalibrated, resulting in inconsistent and potentially dangerous operation of several machines. If the pressures aren't accurate, safety issues may arise. The output was inconsistent, leading to damaged products and creating a costly problem. The quality control measures, consequently, were not effective. Until the sensors were meticulously recalibrated, the production line had to be shut down.
• The judging panel for the art competition was criticized because their grading system appeared uncalibrated. The lack of clearly defined criteria and a standardized approach led to inconsistent and subjective scores, and a lack of credibility. This led to complaints from the artists as to the perceived lack of fairness and raised doubts about the validity of the results. A calibrated system would provide an equitable and informed manner in which to process the information.