untreated

Untreated is an adjective meaning not subjected to processing, treatment, or modification. In everyday usage, it describes materials, conditions, or data that have not undergone any intervention intended to preserve, alter, or improve them. In many contexts, "untreated" implies greater vulnerability to change or risk compared with treated counterparts.

In materials such as wood or metal, untreated indicates absence of coatings, preservatives, sealants, or chemical treatments. Untreated wood is more susceptible to moisture, decay, insects, and warping, but can be preferred for certain crafts or historical authenticity. In metal, absence of protective finishes increases rust and corrosion risk in corrosive environments.

In water and food safety, untreated water or produce has not undergone purification, filtration, disinfection, or processing. Drinking untreated water can carry pathogens and contaminants; in disaster or developing regions, it remains a major health concern. Treated water is processed to meet safety standards.

In medicine and public health, untreated disease or illness refers to cases that have not received therapy or intervention. Untreated conditions can worsen, spread, or cause complications. Ethical considerations, access to care, and public health policies influence rates of untreated illness in populations.

In data, "untreated" or "raw" data has not been cleaned, normalized, or analyzed. Untreated data may contain errors, biases, or missing values; data processing aims to extract reliable insights.