oncontroleerde

Oncontroleerde is a Dutch term that can function as the simple past tense form of the verb oncontroleeren and, less commonly, as an attributive adjective meaning “not under control.” In contemporary Dutch, the more standard attributive adjective for this meaning is ongecontroleerde. The word is formed from a negation prefix combined with the root related to control.

Usage and nuance: The past tense form oncontroleerde is primarily encountered as a finite verb form, for example in sentences describing an action that failed to keep something under control. When describing a noun as not under control, however, speakers and writers typically prefer ongecontroleerde (for example, ongecontroleerde uitgaven, ongecontroleerde bewegingen, ongecontroleerde situatie). The latter is widely used in journalism, policy reporting, and everyday language to convey unregulated or unmanaged conditions.

Context and style: In formal or standard Dutch, it is advisable to use ongecontroleerde when you mean not under control as an adjective. If you need to express a past or imperfect action with the verb sense, oncontroleerde can appear, but it is often clearer to rephrase with expressions such as “niet onder controle gehouden” or “kon niet onder controle blijven.” This helps avoid ambiguity around whether the author intends a verbal or adjectival sense.

See also: ongecontroleerde, ongecontroleerd, controle, reglementering.

Notes: The term reflects common Dutch patterns of negation, but its adjectival use is largely superseded by ongecontroleerde in modern writing.