diff --git a/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py b/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py
index 2022290057f..d51a8f8e3bc 100644
--- a/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py
+++ b/lib/spack/spack/cmd/uninstall.py
@@ -151,7 +151,8 @@ def is_installed(spec):
         key=lambda s: s.dag_hash(),
     )
 
-    return [spec for spec in specs if is_installed(spec)]
+    with spack.store.STORE.db.read_transaction():
+        return [spec for spec in specs if is_installed(spec)]
 
 
 def dependent_environments(