unkempt

[ uhn-kempt ]

adjective

1. not combed:

   unkempt hair.

2. uncared-for or neglected; disheveled; messy:

   unkempt clothes; an unkempt lawn.

3. unpolished; rough; crude.

unkempt

/ ʌnˈkɛmpt /

adjective

1. (of the hair) uncombed; dishevelled
2. ungroomed; slovenly

   unkempt appearance

3. archaic.
   crude or coarse

Derived Forms

• unˈkemptness, noun
• unˈkemptly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·kemptly adverb
• un·kemptness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unkempt¹

1590–1600; variant of unkembed; un- ¹, kempt

Word History and Origins

Origin of unkempt¹

Old English uncembed; from un- ¹+ cembed, past participle of cemban to comb ; related to Old Saxon kembian, Old High German kemben to comb

Example Sentences

Japan's government has admitted an official photo of its new cabinet was manipulated to make members look less unkempt after online speculation that it had been edited.

From BBC

His appearance is changing too, an unkempt beard and dirty clothes a far cry from his polished morning TV look.

From BBC

That same call may be shaping the resurgence of beards in the United States after a long phase in which they were seen as unkempt and unprofessional.

From Salon

With his unkempt red locks and backward cap and untucked jersey, he looked like the sort of Dodger that the diehards saw in themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

The planter was one of six planned to be set up on areas of unkempt and unadopted ground around the village.

From BBC

Related Words

• bedraggled
• dilapidated
• disheveled
• grubby
• grungy
• messy
• neglected
• rumpled
• scruffy
• shaggy