Unmandated

Unmandated, in its core sense, describes something that is not officially required or ordered. It signifies the absence of a formal directive, regulation, or law compelling a specific action or adherence to a particular standard. It implies a degree of freedom or autonomy in choosing whether or not to engage with the subject at hand. The implication is often that the action in question, while possibly desirable or beneficial, lacks any coercive force or legal backing. The 'un' prefix effectively negates the existence of a mandate, thereby rendering the action voluntary or optional rather than obligatory or compulsory.

Unmandated meaning with examples

• Participation in the community cleanup was unmandated; volunteers were appreciated, but no one faced penalties for staying home. The local council encouraged residents to join, yet participation remained a matter of personal initiative and civic duty, demonstrating its voluntary nature and respect for individual choice.
• The use of solar panels on new construction was unmandated in the city's building code, meaning that developers were not obligated to include them in their designs. While the council incentivized their use with tax breaks, developers were free to make decisions on their property without the legal force.
• Attending the company's wellness programs was unmandated; employees could freely choose whether or not they participated in the offered yoga classes or mindfulness sessions. They were aimed at employee wellbeing, but employees weren't required to attend them if it wasn't their wish.
• The adoption of the new software features was unmandated for existing users, who continued to enjoy their freedom of software use. The company had offered these exciting new capabilities, but users didn't have to change their current configurations if they preferred to stay put.