unwashed

1 of 2

adjective

un·​washed ˌən-ˈwȯsht 

-ˈwäsht

1

: not cleaned with or as if with soap and water

a sink full of unwashed dishes

2

: ignorant, plebeian

the unwashed masses

unwashedness noun

unwashed

2 of 2

noun

old-fashioned + humorous

: an ignorant or underprivileged group : rabble

—usually used with great

the great unwashed

Synonyms of unwashed

Adjective

• low
• lumpen
• humble
• plebeian
• proletarian
• lower-class
• lowly
• ignoble
• poor
• vulgar
• low-life
• inferior

Noun

• masses
• rabble
• populace
• public
• proletariat
• people
• trash

Examples of unwashed in a Sentence

Adjective

a sink full of unwashed dishes

a TV producer who knew what the unwashed masses wanted—and unhesitatingly gave it to them

Noun

Aunt Edna was fond of snootily reminding us that we need not take our manners from the great unwashed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Scabies, ringworm, rashes from numerous unknown sources and unwashed skin was wrapped in clothing of stiff linen, smelly woolens or coarse calico. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Simple issues—such as unwashed hands, test strip problems, or incorrect meter use—can sometimes lead to inaccurate results. — Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 June 2026

Optimize potato shelf life by removing the sprouts and storing them at 50°F—unwashed and not in direct light. — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 29 June 2026

Place unwashed strawberries in an open container lined with paper towels to absorb excess humidity for optimal storage. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unwashed

• the (great) unwashed

Rhymes for unwashed

• brainwashed
• whitewashed
• quashed
• sloshed
• squashed
• washed