unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn How to pronounce unclean (audio)
1
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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The restaurant’s meat slicer was unclean with meat residue on the blade and blade housing. Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025 However, like everything else at this stand, these curds have a slight bitter astringency that may result from unclean frying oil. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 26 Aug. 2025 Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle Clean water is non-negotiable when exploring the backcountry—one sip of unclean water can have life-threatening consequences. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025 Historically, Black women have disproportionately faced related charges of being physically and biologically unclean. Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unclean

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclean was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unclean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclean. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unclean

adjective
un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn How to pronounce unclean (audio)
1
: not pure and innocent : wicked
2
: prohibited by religious law for use or contact
3
uncleanness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unclean

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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