unadjusted

Unadjusted refers to data or measurements that have not been altered to account for known factors that can influence the observed values. Unadjusted figures reflect the raw or original observations as collected, before any statistical corrections, standardizations, or refinements are applied. In contrast, adjusted or standardized data are modified to remove or reduce effects of variables such as seasonality, age distribution, inflation, or market events.

In statistics and economics, unadjusted data are commonly used as a baseline to show the unmodified state of measurements. They are often contrasted with seasonally adjusted figures, age-adjusted rates, or inflation-adjusted values. Examples include unadjusted unemployment rates reported before seasonal adjustments, unadjusted consumer price data, and unadjusted stock prices that do not account for splits or dividends.

The interpretation of unadjusted data requires caution. Because they retain influences from factors like seasonality, demographics, or calendar effects, they can be more volatile or less comparable across time periods. Analysts may present both unadjusted and adjusted figures to provide a full picture, allowing users to see raw trends and the effects of corrections.

Beyond statistics, the term can apply to measurements in science, engineering, or other fields where raw readings are reported without calibration or correction. In such contexts, unadjusted values may indicate preliminary results or data pending review.