Untempered

The word "untempered" describes something lacking in restraint, control, or moderation; it can also signify a lack of refinement, particularly regarding a material or metal that hasn't been subjected to a hardening process. It implies rawness, unyielding nature, or a lack of the desired qualities achieved through a tempering process, signifying a state of being unsoftened, unmodulated, or not brought under control or in a prepared condition. It can apply to physical objects, emotional states, or artistic creations. Something untempered is typically considered less desirable, or unfinished when a tempered state is expected or possible.

Untempered meaning with examples

• The blacksmith presented the untempered blade, its steel still soft and easily bent. It needed the heat and quench of the forge to achieve the resilience needed for combat. A blade untempered is essentially useless; it is an incomplete state. The craftsman had further work to bring it to its proper state.
• Her untempered anger flared at the slightest provocation, her words sharp and unforgiving. She found it hard to control her emotions and tended to burst into fits of rage. The raw, untempered emotions made her unpredictable and difficult to deal with. Learning to temper these feelings was a difficult, yet necessary step toward emotional maturity.
• The artist's early sketches possessed an untempered energy, a wildness that contrasted with her later, more polished works. There was a lack of control, but also an interesting rawness. The lines, while chaotic, captured a dynamic essence; however, the refined quality of the tempered painting would ultimately become her hallmark.
• The architect's plans detailed an untempered concrete structure that was vulnerable to cracking and decay. Without the application of admixtures and curing practices, the resulting building would be unstable and lacking longevity. Properly prepared concrete is an essential component and key for durability; it is the defining element.