unrefined

Unrefined is an adjective used to describe something in its natural, untreated, or less processed state, lacking refinement, polish, or purification. It contrasts with refined, which denotes material that has undergone processing to remove impurities, standardize composition, or improve performance or appearance.

In industrial, scientific, and culinary contexts, unrefined items are often referred to as crude or raw materials. Examples include crude oil, crude ore, and unrefined sugar and grains. These forms may require processing such as purification, filtration, or refining before they are suitable for sale, distribution, or specific uses. For sugar, unrefined varieties retain more natural content like molasses, giving distinct flavor and color; refined sugar is processed to be white and more uniform. In energy and materials, refining transforms crude petroleum into fuels and lubricants, while refining metals removes impurities to produce usable metal.

In everyday language, unrefined can describe manners, taste, or design perceived as lacking polish or sophistication. In geography or natural science, unrefined resources are contrasted with refined products or value-added goods. The term can carry positive connotations (authentic, natural) or neutral/negative ones depending on context.

See also: Refinement; Raw material; Crude oil; Refined sugar; Beneficiation; Purification.