unkept

/ˌʌnˈkept/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈkept/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈkept How to pronounce unkept (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unkept — adjective

  • unkeptpositive
  • more unkeptcomparative
  • most unkeptsuperlative

1. A promise, contract, or agreement described as unkept is one that a person made

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A promise, contract, or agreement described as unkept is one that a person made but then broke — they never followed through on their stated intention.

例句

Sari was tired of her supervisor's unkept promises about a promotion.

collocation: unkept promises

The mayor's unkept campaign pledge to lower taxes left many residents feeling betrayed.

同義詞
  • broken

    more common and general; can apply to promises, rules, or objects

  • unfulfilled

    focuses on the result — something expected never happened; weaker sense of moral failure

  • dishonoured

    formal; especially of cheques, agreements, or vows in British English

  • violated

    stronger and more legalistic; used for contracts, rights, or laws

反義詞
  • kept

    direct opposite: 'a kept promise'

  • honoured

    formal register; implies respect for the commitment

  • fulfilled

    focuses on the outcome — the expected action was completed

文法句型

unkept + noun (promise, pledge, vow, contract)

be + unkept

remain + unkept

用法筆記

Often placed before nouns like 'promise', 'pledge', 'vow', 'contract', or 'agreement'. The word implies a moral or legal failure to follow through, not just something left unfinished. Distinguish from sense 2 (NOT MAINTAINED), which describes physical spaces, not commitments.

常見錯誤

❌He looked unkept with his shirt untucked.
✅He looked unkempt with his shirt untucked.
💡'Unkept' is for promises or neglected places; 'unkempt' is for messy personal appearance.
❌The athlete's unkept training routine was strange.
✅The athlete's unusual training routine was unconventional.
💡'Unkept' only applies to broken promises and neglected spaces, not to anything that is simply 'not maintained' in a general sense.

2. You use unkept to describe a place such as a garden, yard, or building that appe

2.形容詞B2
釋義

You use unkept to describe a place such as a garden, yard, or building that appears wild and neglected, with long grass, weeds, or visible damage from lack of regular care.

例句

The garden behind the old house was completely unkept, with weeds growing everywhere.

predicative: be + unkept

Visitors were shocked by the unkept state of the once-beautiful temple grounds.

同義詞
  • neglected

    broader; applies to any person, animal, or thing that lacks care

  • overgrown

    specifically for gardens or yards with too many plants

  • run-down

    focuses on buildings or properties in bad physical condition; more common

  • uncared-for

    emphasises the lack of attention rather than the resulting state

反義詞
  • well-kept

    direct opposite: neat and regularly maintained

  • tidy

    general term for neatness; less specific to maintenance

  • maintained

    focuses on ongoing care and repairs

文法句型

unkept + noun (garden, yard, building)

be + unkept

remain + unkept

用法筆記

Describes physical spaces only — gardens, yards, parks, buildings, or similar properties. Do not use for a person's messy hair or clothing (use 'unkempt' instead). This sense is less common than sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌She looked unkept after the long flight.
✅She looked unkempt after the long flight.
💡'Unkept' describes neglected properties, not people.
❌The unkept kitchen had dirty dishes.
✅The messy kitchen had dirty dishes.
💡'Unkept' implies long-term neglect (weeds, overgrowth), not just everyday untidiness indoors.