unwashed

1 of 2

adjective

un·​washed ˌən-ˈwȯsht 

-ˈwäsht

1

: not cleaned with or as if with soap and water

2

: ignorant, plebeian

the unwashed masses

unwashedness noun

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

: an ignorant or underprivileged group : rabble

—usually used with great

the great unwashed

Synonyms

Adjective

• low
• lumpen
• humble
• plebeian
• proletarian
• lower-class
• lowly
• ignoble
• poor
• vulgar
• low-life
• inferior

Noun

• masses
• rabble
• populace
• public
• proletariat
• people
• trash

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

Adjective

Following the exit of John Galliano, Glenn Martens made his debut as creative director of Maison Margiela with an Artisanal collection honoring the house’s legacy of provocative, avant-garde fashions while also sticking an unwashed thumb in the eye of the numbing quiet luxury juggernaut. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 July 2025

Mildew and mold are invisible causes of very real symptoms—and unwashed linens can be public enemy number one. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

Besides his unwashed look, Cyrus has become embroiled in various scandals in recent years and is supposedly struggling to get work, according to the Daily Mail. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025

Wash them just before using them but be sure to store them unwashed. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unwashed

• the (great) unwashed

Rhymes for unwashed

• brainwashed
• whitewashed
• quashed
• sloshed
• squashed
• washed