diff --git a/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py b/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py
index f7fbd67754..37fe98d0d0 100644
--- a/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py
+++ b/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ def is_ready(dag_hash):
 
         # If this spec is only used as a build dependency, we can uninstall
         return all(
-            dspec.deptypes == ("build",)
+            dspec.deptypes == ("build",) or not dspec.parent.installed
             for dspec in record.spec.edges_from_dependents()
         )