Unkempt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unkempt

[ʌnˈkɛmpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Having an untidy or disheveled appearance.

Synonyms

disheveled, messy, rumpled, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unkempt	Describes a person or their appearance that is not properly taken care of. Often implies a lack of personal hygiene. His hair was unkempt, and his clothes were dirty
untidy	Describes something that is disorganized, not clean, or in a state of disorder. Similar to messy but can be slightly more formal. The office was untidy, with papers strewn everywhere
messy	Describes a state of general disorder and clutter. Can refer to both physical spaces (like a room) and situations. His room was so messy, you could barely see the floor
disheveled	Refers to something, typically hair or clothing, that appears untidy and in disorder. It often has a more temporary, situational connotation. After the long flight, she looked disheveled and tired
rumpled	Primarily used to describe clothing or fabric that is creased or crumpled. Often suggests that the person wearing the clothes has been active or careless. He arrived at the meeting with a rumpled shirt, clearly showing he was in a rush

Examples of usage

His unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes made him look unprofessional.
The unkempt garden was overgrown with weeds and wildflowers.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

person

Not properly maintained or cared for.

Synonyms

neglected, ramshackle, run-down, shabby.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unkempt	Similarly to 'unkempt', indicates something or someone that is messy, disordered, or not well-maintained. Her desk was always unkempt, covered in papers and books. The unkempt yard reflected poorly on the otherwise charming house.
neglected	Refers to something that has been ignored or not given proper care, can apply to objects, places, or even people. The neglected puppy had not been fed properly for days. The park became neglected after budget cuts.
shabby	Refers to something that is in poor condition due to wear and tear or neglect, often used for clothing, furnishings, or places; can imply a sense of disrespect or disdain. He wore a shabby coat that had seen better days. They lived in a shabby apartment that needed renovation.
run-down	Conveys a sense of something that is in poor condition through neglect or lack of maintenance; often used for areas, buildings, or people appearing tired or worn out. The run-down hotel had paint peeling off its walls. She looked run-down after working long hours all week.
ramshackle	Describes a building or object that appears poorly constructed, in bad condition, and likely to collapse; often used for old or neglected buildings. They lived in a ramshackle cottage on the outskirts of town. The ramshackle fence barely stood upright.

Examples of usage

The unkempt guest room had not been cleaned in months.
She was known for her unkempt living conditions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

In movies and media, characters portrayed as unkempt often symbolize a carefree or rebellious attitude.
Famous artists, like Vincent van Gogh, are sometimes depicted as unkempt, which can reflect their intense dedication to their work over personal appearance.

Psychology

People’s perceptions of others can change based on their perceived level of grooming, influencing social interactions.
Research in social psychology suggests that an unkempt appearance may lead to biases, affecting how trustworthy or competent an individual is perceived.

Literature

In literature, unkempt characters often represent a deeper narrative, symbolizing internal chaos or emotional disarray.
Classic literary figures, like the Mad Scientist trope, are often described as unkempt, highlighting their obsession with their work at the expense of personal care.

Fashion

The 'sloppy chic' trend embraces a deliberately unkempt look, blurring the lines between comfort and fashion.
Runway shows have featured unkempt hairstyles and outfits, signaling that disheveled aesthetics can be intentionally fashionable.

Origin of 'unkempt'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'cemban', meaning to comb, combined with 'un-' which suggests not or opposite.
Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the 17th century, indicating a lack of grooming.

The word 'unkempt' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'kempt' which comes from Middle English 'kemben' meaning 'to comb'. Therefore, 'unkempt' originally meant 'not combed' or 'not neat'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to things or people that are untidy, disheveled, or not properly maintained.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,017, 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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24014 lynx
24015 munition
24016 deform
24017 unkempt
24018 ovation
24019 godless
24020 unreserved
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