unkempt

adjective

un·​kempt ˌən-ˈkem(p)t How to pronounce unkempt (audio)
1
: not combed
unkempt hair
2
: deficient in order or neatness
unkempt individuals
unkempt hotel rooms
also : rough, unpolished
unkempt prose

Examples of unkempt in a Sentence

She wore rumpled clothing and her hair was unkempt. an unkempt and cluttered room
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.
DiCaprio, 50, subverts his Hollywood leading man image by wearing a ratty red robe, unkempt hair and oversized sunglasses as former revolutionary and current stoner Bob Ferguson, who is forced back into action to save himself and his daughter (Chase Infiniti) from paramilitary enforcers. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 Black Rabbit’s second episode trades the introductory flash-forward for a classic flashback, set in motion by a slightly less unkempt Vince, now sporting a mullet and handlebar mustache in place of his twitchy Manson look from the present timeline. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025 The state police photos show a typical off-campus residence – albeit a little on the unkempt side, with cases of alcohol littering the common areas, a folding table set up for beer pong, and empty cans on the floor. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025 If Washington streets and public places are unkempt and unsafe, who will venture to go there? Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unkempt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unkemd, unkempt, from un- + kembed, kempt, past participle of kemben to comb, from Old English cemban; akin to Old High German chempen to comb, Old English camb comb — more at comb

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unkempt was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkempt. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unkempt

adjective
un·​kempt ˌən-ˈkem(p)t How to pronounce unkempt (audio)
1
: not combed
2
: lacking in order or neatness : untidy

More from Merriam-Webster on unkempt

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