: an ignorant or underprivileged group : rabble
—usually used with great
the great unwashed
Synonyms
Examples of unwashed in a Sentence
Adjective
a sink full of unwashed dishes
a TV producer who knew what the unwashed masses wanted—and unhesitatingly gave it to them
Noun
Aunt Edna was fond of snootily reminding us that we need not take our manners from the great unwashed.
Recent Examples on the Web
TIME, 8 May 2024
Over the past decade, medical research has consistently demonstrated that the most relied upon medical device, the stethoscope, has the same contamination, and transmission as unwashed hands, undermining hand hygiene efforts in healthcare delivery.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unwashed 
Adjective
As a result, the dirt and sweat buildup on their unwashed binder predisposes them to skin complications.
—TIME, 8 May 2024
Over the past decade, medical research has consistently demonstrated that the most relied upon medical device, the stethoscope, has the same contamination, and transmission as unwashed hands, undermining hand hygiene efforts in healthcare delivery.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unwashed
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unwashed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Unwashed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwashed. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
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