unkempt
/ˌʌnˈkempt/ (bre, ipa) · [ənkˈɛmpt] /ˌʌnˈkempt/ (ame, ipa) · [ənkˈɛmpt] /ˌən-ˈkem(p)t How to pronounce unkempt (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unkempt — adjective
- unkemptpositive
- more unkemptcomparative
- most unkemptsuperlative
1. Someone who is unkempt looks messy, with hair and clothes that have not been bru
Someone who is unkempt looks messy, with hair and clothes that have not been brushed, combed, or tidied. The word also describes places or objects that appear neglected and lack order.
Dario arrived at the interview with unkempt hair and a wrinkled shirt.
collocation: unkempt hair
The old garden behind the house had grown unkempt, with weeds climbing over the fence.
pattern: grow + unkempt (places)
Adaeze tried to tidy her unkempt hair before the teacher called on her.
The shelter workers found the dogs unkempt and covered in mud.
It was hard to tell that Pedro's suit was expensive because he looked so unkempt.
- messy
broader and more common; can describe temporary or permanent disorder
- dishevelled
specifically of hair or clothing that is ruffled or hanging loose
- scruffy
suggests worn-out or shabby clothing rather than uncombed hair
- untidy
less strong than unkempt; can apply to rooms and desks
- tidy
neatly arranged or cared for
- well-groomed
used for a person whose hair and clothes have been carefully attended to
用法筆記
Most commonly applied to a person's hair, beard, or clothing, unkempt can also describe gardens, yards, buildings, or animals. Unlike messy, which can refer to any temporary disorder, unkempt suggests a longer period of neglect or lack of grooming.