Dishevel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used often to describe hair or clothing that is untidy or messy.

• After a long day at work, her hair was completely disheveled.
• He stumbled into the room looking disheveled after the long flight.

Often used to describe fabric or clothing that is creased or crumpled.

• He rumpled his shirt as he tried to pack it into the suitcase.
• Her dress was rumpled after sitting in the car for hours.

Commonly used to describe hair that is slightly messy in a casual or affectionate way.

• She tousled his hair playfully.
• Her tousled hair gave her a carefree look.

Generally used to refer to objects that are not in their proper order or are in a state of disorder.

• The wind disarranged all the papers on the desk.
• Someone had disarranged the books on the shelf.

Typically refers to hair or clothing that is untidy and in disarray. Often used when someone or something looks particularly unkempt due to being ruffled or disturbed.

• After the long flight, her hair was completely disheveled
• The children came back from the playdate with disheveled clothes

Often refers to hair or physical appearance that is untidy or neglected, with a connotation of neglect or lack of personal care.

• He arrived at the interview looking unkempt and unprepared
• The garden has been left unkempt with weeds growing everywhere

A more casual and broad term that can describe anything untidy or cluttered, from a room to a project.

• His room is always so messy with clothes and toys everywhere
• The kids had a lot of fun painting, but now the kitchen is a mess

Often used to describe someone or something that is wet, dirty, and disordered, usually due to being out in the rain or mud.

• The cat looked bedraggled after being caught in the storm
• The hikers appeared bedraggled after their trek through the muddy trails