Unkept Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unkept

[ʌnˈkɛpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Not properly maintained or cared for; untidy or disheveled.

Synonyms

disheveled, neglected, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unkept	Describes something that has not been maintained properly, often relating to appearance or conditions. The garden looked unkept with overgrown weeds Her hair was unkept and tangled
neglected	Implies a lack of care or attention over a period of time, leading to deterioration. Often used in a negative sense. The neglected house had peeling paint and broken windows She felt neglected when no one remembered her birthday
disheveled	Refers to someone or something that looks messy and untidy, usually in terms of appearance. He arrived at the meeting looking disheveled, with his shirt untucked and hair in disarray
untidy	Describes something that is not neat or organized, often in a light or less severe context than 'disheveled' or 'neglected'. His desk was untidy with papers everywhere The room was untidy, with clothes strewn across the floor

Examples of usage

The garden was overgrown and unkept.
His hair was unkept and messy.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

state

Not fulfilled or unmet; disregarded or ignored.

Synonyms

disregarded, ignored, unfulfilled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unkept	This term is commonly used to describe something that has not been maintained or taken care of, often referring to physical appearance or condition. His unkept garden was overgrown with weeds. She appeared at the meeting with unkept hair and wrinkled clothes.
unfulfilled	Use this term when referring to unmet expectations, dreams, or obligations. It often conveys a sense of incompleteness or disappointment. She felt unfulfilled in her job despite the high salary. His goals remained unfulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances.
disregarded	This word is used when something or someone is not given attention or consideration, typically suggesting negligence or intentional avoidance. The safety warnings were disregarded by the workers. Her advice was disregarded during the discussion.
ignored	This word applies when someone is deliberately overlooked or not acknowledged, often suggesting intentional neglect. He ignored her calls all evening. The manager ignored the employee's complaint.

Examples of usage

The promises remained unkept.
His unkept word caused disappointment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research indicates that environments perceived as unkept can increase stress levels and negatively affect mental health.
The state of one's surroundings often reflects inner feelings; an unkept space may suggest disorderliness in one's life.
People who maintain a tidy space often report higher levels of productivity and emotional well-being.

Culture

In literature, unkept characters are often portrayed as rebellious or free-spirited, symbolizing a break from societal norms.
Films frequently depict unkept environments to signify neglect, abandonment, or the passage of time.
Unkept spaces in art can evoke feelings of nostalgia and loss, inviting viewers to consider the stories behind them.

Social Context

In some cultures, appearing unkept can signal nonconformity or resistance against societal beauty standards.
The concept of unkept also plays into discussions about poverty and access to resources for proper maintenance of living spaces.
In the fashion industry, some designers intentionally create unkept looks on the runway to challenge traditional beauty and grooming norms.

Environmental Impact

Unkept areas can disrupt local ecosystems, allowing invasive species to thrive and harming native plants.
Littering and neglecting green spaces can lead to urban heat islands, where cities become warmer due to unkept environments.
Efforts to clean up unkept places often spark community engagement and awareness around environmental issues.

Origin of 'unkept'

Main points about word origin

The word stems from the Old English 'cēpan', meaning to 'observe' or 'mind', combined with 'un-', which signifies the opposite.
In modern usage, 'unkept' frames the idea of letting something slide or refusing to maintain it.
The prefix 'un-' suggests a state contrary to the condition described, indicating neglect.

The word 'unkept' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'keep'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. Over time, 'unkept' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to neglect, disorder, and unfulfilled promises.