uncleanness
uncleanness — noun
1. the state of being covered with dirt, grime, or unwanted matter that makes somet
the state of being covered with dirt, grime, or unwanted matter that makes something look or feel unpleasant.
Wei Park complained to the hotel manager about the uncleanness of the bathroom floor.
The health inspector cited the restaurant for uncleanness in the kitchen preparation area.
passive: cited for uncleanness
Aisha could not focus because of the uncleanness on every desk in the office.
After cleaning the basement for hours, Marta was shocked by the uncleanness in every corner.
Carlos washed his hands three times, but the uncleanness under his nails stayed.
- cleanliness
the state of being clean and free from dirt
文法句型
the uncleanness of [place/thing]
uncleanness in [place]
用法筆記
Uncountable; frequently used with 'of' to specify the object or location affected. Common in hygiene inspections, housekeeping reviews, and descriptions of neglected spaces.
常見錯誤
2. the condition of being morally wrong or spiritually impure according to a religi
the condition of being morally wrong or spiritually impure according to a religious or ethical code.
Fatima listened to the sermon about spiritual uncleanness and its effect on the human heart.
collocation: spiritual / moral uncleanness
Hiroshi felt a deep uncleanness after breaking the promise he had made to his mother.
pattern: feel a sense of uncleanness
Pastor Williams called on the community to turn away from the uncleanness of dishonest trade.
In the ancient text, uncleanness was seen as a barrier between the worshipper and the sacred.
- impurity
broader; can describe physical, moral, or chemical states
- corruption
stronger and more concrete, often suggesting systemic moral decay
- sinfulness
specifically religious; suggests direct violation of divine law
文法句型
uncleanness of [action/thought/behaviour]
用法筆記
Primarily found in religious, ethical, or spiritual discourse. Not used in everyday conversation about ordinary mistakes or minor wrongdoings — it implies a serious breach of moral or ritual purity.
常見錯誤
3. the condition of being polluted by a supernatural force, often believed to requi
the condition of being polluted by a supernatural force, often believed to require ritual cleansing or protective ceremonies.
The village elders warned that uncleanness had settled over the land after the dark ritual.
collocation: uncleanness settled over [place]
Kofi refused to enter the abandoned cave, believing its uncleanness would make him sick.
Mei-Ling's grandmother told stories about places of uncleanness where spirits caused trouble for visitors.
The shaman's ceremony was meant to drive away the uncleanness the stranger had brought into the village.
- taint
can describe supernatural or moral contamination; slightly less formal
- defilement
stronger, more solemn; often used in religious writing
- contagion
emphasises the spreading nature of the harmful force
- sanctity
the state of being sacred and protected from supernatural harm
文法句型
uncleanness [verb] on/over [place/person]
用法筆記
Associated with traditional beliefs about supernatural contamination, not used in scientific or medical contexts. The word appears most often in discussions of folklore, comparative religion, or anthropology.
常見錯誤
4. the quality of being confused, imprecise, or poorly structured in thought, argum
the quality of being confused, imprecise, or poorly structured in thought, argument, or artistic expression.
Linnea pointed out the uncleanness of the argument, which mixed two different theories into one.
collocation: uncleanness of [argument/concept]
Theo struggled with the uncleanness of his essay, where too many ideas competed for attention.
Professor Yusuf criticised the uncleanness of the analysis, which jumped between unrelated topics.
Sofia noticed the uncleanness of the legal document, whose vague sentences said different things to different readers.
- imprecision
more specific to measurements or statements that are not exact
- vagueness
commoner; suggests important details are missing or unclear
- ambiguity
technical term for language that can be interpreted in more than one way
文法句型
the uncleanness of [argument/expression/writing]
用法筆記
Restricted to formal, often academic or critical contexts. Applies to evaluations of reasoning, writing, creative works, or legal language. Not used in casual conversation.