Unnaturalized

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not formally granted citizenship in a country after immigration ; not developed or adapted according to natural growth or typical processes ; characterized by being alien to a natural environment or usual conditions
2. Lacking official status as a citizen through legal naturalization ; not formed or shaped through ordinary or inherent methods ; exhibiting qualities that are artificial or foreign to natural surroundings
3. Having not undergone the process of acquiring citizenship by legal means ; not originating or evolving through natural phenomena or innate progression ; showing traits or appearances that deviate from what is normally considered inherent or natural

Etymology: "Unnaturalized" is simply the English prefix "un-", meaning "not", attached to "naturalized," the past participle of "naturalize." The prefix comes from Old English "un-," which has long been used to negate adjectives and participles, so forming a negative from an existing word like this is one of the most productive patterns in the language. "Naturalize" itself rests on the idea of making someone a "natural" member of a country, as though they had been born there. The sense of formally granting a foreigner citizenship developed from this, and "naturalized" describes a person who has been granted that status. "Unnaturalized" therefore names someone who has not yet received it, or who never will.

Synonyms: foreign, alien, noncitizen, non-naturalized

Antonyms: naturalized, citizen, native