disheveled

[ dih-shev-uhld ]

adjective

1. hanging loosely or in disorder; unkempt:

   disheveled hair.

2. untidy; disarranged:

   a disheveled appearance.

   Synonyms: sloppy, slovenly, messy

Other Words From

• undi·sheveled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disheveled¹

1375–1425; late Middle English discheveled < Old French deschevele, past participle of descheveler to dishevel the hair, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -cheveler, derivative of chevel a hair < Latin capillus

Example Sentences

No matter how much proof the media musters about Donald Trump’s lies, crimes, and derelictions, no matter how eloquent the cases pundits make about his manifest unfitness for office, no matter how hard journalists try to document their processes and present their work in compelling ways, half the country continues to demean and disregard their efforts while choosing instead to trust real-estate hucksters, YouTube supplement salesmen, disheveled podcast conspiracists, and countless other unreliable sources that barely even bother to appear credible.

From Slate

It’s fitting that a park known for its man-on-the-street ambush-type interviews and random impromptu performances is a breeding ground for this disheveled competition.

From Salon

Julian Casablancas sneered his way into instant rock stardom nearly a quarter of a century ago as the glamorously disheveled frontman of the Strokes.

From Los Angeles Times

Durant turns Johnny into a disheveled drifter.

From Los Angeles Times

But visibly sweating and with his hair looking disheveled, he hardly sounded victorious.

From Slate

Related Words

• bedraggled
• messy
• rumpled