Rumpled: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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