Uncombed: meaning, definitions and examples

💇

Add to dictionary

uncombed

[ˌʌnˈkoʊmd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

hair

Not combed or brushed; messy or tangled.

Synonyms

disheveled, ruffled, unkempt, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncombed	To describe hair that hasn't been brushed or groomed. She left the house with uncombed hair. His hair was uncombed after waking up.
untidy	To describe something, such as a room or a person's appearance, that is not neatly arranged or orderly. His office was untidy, with papers scattered everywhere. She has an untidy habit of leaving clothes on the floor.
disheveled	To describe a person or their appearance as messy or untidy, often implying a lack of care. He showed up to the meeting looking disheveled. After the long journey, she appeared disheveled and exhausted.
ruffled	To describe something, typically hair or clothing, that has been disturbed or is in a state of disorder. She ruffled her hair playfully. His ruffled shirt gave him a casual look.
unkempt	To describe someone or something, usually hair or appearance, as poorly groomed or maintained. He had an unkempt appearance that suggested a lack of self-care. Her unkempt garden was full of weeds.

Examples of usage

My uncombed hair stuck out in all directions.
She ran her fingers through her uncombed hair.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

person

Not well-groomed or neat in appearance.

Synonyms

disheveled, messy, sloppy, unkempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncombed	Typically used to describe hair that has not been brushed or styled. Often implies a lack of grooming or preparation. His hair was uncombed and sticking out in all directions. She appeared for the interview with uncombed hair, which gave a bad impression.
sloppy	Implies a lack of care or attention to detail, often in a negative way. Can describe appearance, work, or behavior. Carries a more critical tone. The report was filled with sloppy errors and typos. His sloppy appearance made it clear he hadn't prepared for the meeting.
unkempt	Describes someone or something that is not properly maintained or cared for. Often used to describe hair or overall appearance, suggesting neglect. He had an unkempt beard that looked like it hadn’t been trimmed in weeks. The garden was unkempt, with weeds growing everywhere.
disheveled	Describes someone's appearance as untidy or in disorder. It can apply to hair, clothing, or overall look. Often used in a slightly dramatic or literary context. He walked in looking disheveled, his shirt untucked and hair unkempt. After the long journey, they arrived disheveled and exhausted.
messy	Often used in a general sense to describe something that is not tidy, ranging from physical spaces to personal appearance. Has a broader application beyond just hair or grooming. Her room was always messy, with clothes and papers scattered everywhere. He showed up in a messy state, his clothes wrinkled and hair unkempt.

Examples of usage

He showed up to the meeting looking uncombed and disheveled.
The uncombed man stood out in the crowd of well-dressed individuals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'uncombed' literally means 'not combed'.
The word 'comb' comes from the Old English 'camb', which means a tool for untangling hair.
In the 16th century, the word 'uncombed' began to take on a more prominent usage to describe messy or disheveled hair.

Pop Culture

Uncombed hair is often used in films to portray a character as carefree or rebellious.
In fashion, the 'messy hair' look became popular in the early 2000s, promoting the idea that sometimes messy can be fashionable.
Celebrities often share 'uncombed' selfies on social media to show their natural side, promoting self-acceptance.

Psychology

The state of being uncombed can reflect a person's emotional state, often symbolizing relaxation or neglect.
Research has suggested that people perceive others with uncombed hair as more approachable or authentic.
In some studies, participants rated uncombed hairstyles as less intimidating, indicating that messiness can foster relatability.

Literature

In many literary works, uncombed hair can symbolize freedom and a break from societal norms.
Poets often use uncombed imagery to convey raw emotion and the beauty of imperfection.
Classic novels sometimes feature characters with uncombed appearances to illustrate their complex personalities or turbulent lives.

Health & Hygiene

While uncombed hair can be a fashion statement, good hygiene is essential for scalp health, as tangles can cause breakage.
Over-combing or styling hair too much can lead to damage, but leaving it uncombed sometimes allows it to breathe.
Certain hairstyles benefit from being uncombed, as a natural look can promote healthier hair appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncombed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despenteado

🇮🇳 बिखरे हुए

🇩🇪 ungekämmt

🇮🇩 kusut

🇺🇦 незачесаний

🇵🇱 rozczochrany

🇯🇵 とかしていない

🇫🇷 ébouriffé

🇪🇸 despeinado

🇹🇷 taraksız

🇰🇷 빗질하지 않은

🇸🇦 غير ممشط

🇨🇿 neučesaný

🇸🇰 neučesaný

🇨🇳 未梳理的

🇸🇮 nepočesan

🇮🇸 ógreiddur

🇰🇿 таралмаған

🇬🇪 დაუვარცხნელი

🇦🇿 daranmamış

🇲🇽 despeinado