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.
Fanning, for whom this film is certainly a showcase, plays Polly, who’s revealed to be a physical and emotional mess in the opening scenes, in which she’s shown anxiously puttering around her large, unkempt house, chain-smoking and trying on dresses for an upcoming important interview. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 As the friend mentioned the dirty, unkempt sidewalks, trash in the street and the overgrown trees, Bidegain decided something needed to be done. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2025 To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required. Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 The fit is snug and flattering, so there’s nothing unkempt about it, even though the vibe is casual. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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