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

Several nonfood contact surfaces were unclean. —Sacbee.com, 27 Nov. 2025

The November conference report details several complaints made against the hotel in 2024, ranging from outdated fire extinguishers and unclean bedding to bedbugs and roaches in rooms. —Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025

Court documents alleged unclean conditions, painful procedures without proper medication, and cramped living quarters for the animals. —Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025

Although many kids got great care, others ended up in overcrowded, unclean centers. —Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for unclean

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

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