Onverdiepte

Onverdiepte is a Dutch term that can function as an adjective or a noun, generally signifying the absence of depth or the state of not having been deepened or given an additional level. The form is built from the negating prefix on- attached to verdiepte, the past participle of verdiepen (to deepen), or to diepte (depth). The word is not common in ordinary speech and is mainly found in technical or theoretical texts where concepts of depth, layering, or levels are discussed.

In geology, archaeology, or construction, onverdiepte is used to indicate a feature, layer, or excavation that has not been pursued to greater depth. It may describe a trench, bed, or survey portion that stops before reaching deeper strata, or a plan that does not include additional floors beyond a ground level. In broader discourse, the term can be used metaphorically to denote analysis, interpretation, or writing that lacks depth.

Because onverdiepte is not standardized, Dutch writers often prefer clearer alternatives such as zonder verdieping (without depth), ondiep (shallow), or diepgaand (thorough) depending on context. The precise nuance of onverdiepte thus depends on the field and author, and the term may appear mainly in specialized or descriptive passages rather than in formal definitions.

Etymology: The word derives from on- (negation) and verdiepte (past participle of verdiepen) or from diepte (depth).