contraindicated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (primarily medical)
Quick answer
What does “contraindicated” mean?
Not recommended or inadvisable due to specific risks or adverse effects, particularly in a medical context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Not recommended or inadvisable due to specific risks or adverse effects, particularly in a medical context.
More broadly, any situation, action, or condition that makes a particular course of action inappropriate or potentially harmful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between British and American English in professional contexts.
Connotations
Carries a strong connotation of professional judgment and potential liability in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in medical literature and professional discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “contraindicated” in a Sentence
be contraindicated for/in + NP (condition/person)be contraindicated with + NP (medication/condition)be contraindicated because of/due to + NP (reason)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contraindicated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The physician's guide clearly contraindicates the use of aspirin in children under 16.
- Her pregnancy contraindicates that particular imaging procedure.
American English
- The drug label contraindicates use with certain antidepressants.
- His liver condition contraindicates taking acetaminophen.
adjective
British English
- The procedure was contraindicated due to the patient's unstable blood pressure.
- It is a contraindicated treatment for individuals with this allergy.
American English
- MRI is contraindicated for patients with certain metal implants.
- That medication is contraindicated in cases of severe renal impairment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used metaphorically: 'Expanding into that market is contraindicated given the current regulatory climate.'
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and clinical research papers.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; would sound overly technical.
Technical
The primary domain of use; standard terminology in healthcare guidelines, drug leaflets, and clinical decision-making.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contraindicated”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contraindicated”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contraindicated”
- Using it as a synonym for 'contradicted' (e.g., 'His story was contraindicated by the evidence' – INCORRECT).
- Using it in non-specialist, everyday contexts where 'not recommended' or 'inadvisable' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core use is in healthcare. While it can be used metaphorically in other formal contexts (e.g., business, law), this is rare and stylistically marked.
'Contraindicated' is stronger and more specific. It means there is a defined, often serious risk or reason against an action. 'Not recommended' is a broader, softer advisory.
Yes, the verb form is 'contraindicate' (e.g., 'The condition contraindicates surgery'), but the past participle 'contraindicated' used as an adjective is far more common.
Yes, the noun is 'contraindication' (e.g., 'A history of bleeding disorders is a contraindication for this drug').
Not recommended or inadvisable due to specific risks or adverse effects, particularly in a medical context.
Contraindicated is usually formal, technical (primarily medical) in register.
Contraindicated: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒntrəˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːntrəˈɪndɪkeɪt̬ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a red CONTRA sign with a crossed-out syringe (INDICATED for injection), meaning 'this treatment is a NO-GO'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL TREATMENT IS A PATH; a contraindication is a ROADBLOCK or DANGER SIGN on that path.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'contraindicated' MOST appropriately used?