unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn 

1

: dirty, filthy

2

: morally or spiritually impure

3

: infected with a harmful supernatural contagion

also : prohibited by ritual law for use or contact

4

: lacking in clarity and precision of conception or execution

uncleanness

ˌən-ˈklēn-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of unclean

• corrupt
• sick
• degraded

Examples of unclean in a Sentence

Many of their health problems were caused by unclean living conditions.

there's something unclean about this whole business

Recent Examples on the Web

Dan Tana’s, a red-sauce West Hollywood institution, closed April 15 to 18 due to vermin infestation, unclean surfaces, plumbing or drainage citations and improper build or maintenance of walls, floors or ceilings, according to the health department. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Bright white or light gray can highlight dirt and weathering, making your home look unclean. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 12 May 2026

Several areas in the facility were unclean with excess grease/debris/residue including brown spill stains on top of the microwave and the floor below the main cook line. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 8, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026

Islamic finance may also avoid sectors and products considered haram, or unclean; for example, a sharia-compliant ETF may avoid banks that offer traditional loans or e-commerce platforms that sell pork. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for unclean

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

Kids Definition

unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn 

1

: not pure and innocent : wicked

2

: prohibited by religious law for use or contact

3

: dirty entry 1 sense 1, filthy

uncleanness

-ˈklēn-nəs 

noun