Unkempt: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.