Rumpled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rumpled

[ˈrʌmpəld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

messy appearance

Having an untidy or wrinkled appearance, typically as a result of being crumpled or crushed.

Synonyms

crumpled, disheveled, untidy, wrinkled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rumpled	Describes cloth, hair, or appearance that is not smooth or neat, usually because of being played with, slept on, or otherwise disturbed. His shirt was rumpled after the long flight She woke up with her hair all rumpled
wrinkled	Describes cloth or skin that has small lines or folds, usually from being compressed or aged. His shirt was wrinkled after being packed in the suitcase Her wrinkled hands showed years of hard work
crumpled	Used to describe paper, fabric, or similar materials that have been crushed into folds or wrinkles. Often implies a more forceful or deliberate action. He crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it away The letter was found crumpled at the bottom of the drawer
disheveled	Refers to a person's appearance, particularly their hair or clothing, that is untidy or messy. Often implies a lack of care or grooming. He looked disheveled after spending the night working on his project Her disheveled hair suggested she had been out in the wind
untidy	Used to describe anything that is not neatly arranged, can refer to both appearance and surroundings. His desk is always untidy with papers and books everywhere She felt self-conscious about her untidy hair

Examples of usage

She emerged from the tent with rumpled hair and a sleepy expression.
The rumpled bedsheets suggested a night of restless sleep.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

mess up

Crumple or crush (something, typically fabric or paper) so that it becomes creased or wrinkled.

Synonyms

crease, crumple, crush, wrinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rumpled	Usually describes clothing or fabrics that are messy or not smooth, often giving a casual or careless impression. His shirt was rumpled after a long day at work
crease	Refers to a line or mark made by folding, pressing, or crushing, often used in the context of paper, clothing, or skin. She ironed out the creases in her dress before the event
wrinkle	Describes small lines or folds, especially on skin or fabric, usually indicating age or the need for smoothing. The elderly man's face was full of wrinkles
crumple	Describes something that has been crushed or folded into an irregular shape, typically used for paper or other flexible materials. He crumpled the piece of paper and threw it in the trash
crush	Implies forceful pressure causing deformation, can be used for objects, materials, or even metaphorically for feelings. She accidentally crushed the box while trying to move it

Examples of usage

He rumpled the paper in frustration.
The wind rumpled her skirt as she walked.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'rumpled'

The word 'rumpled' originated from Middle English 'rompelen' which meant 'to wrinkle'. Over time, the term evolved to its current usage to describe something with an untidy or wrinkled appearance. The concept of rumpling or creasing has been associated with disheveled or messy looks, leading to its colloquial use in describing physical objects or appearances.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,767, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24764 bumpy
24765 crunching
24766 slyly
24767 rumpled
24768 immunotherapy
24769 coo
24770 spotty
...