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

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

They’re filmed in unfinished basements or drafty garages; mothers wear bulky winter coats over pajamas, their hair sometimes appearing unwashed, their desperation for a moment alone palpable. — Sarah Levy, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

The two were often seen with what appeared to be unwashed, exposed roots that fluttered into beach waves down their backs. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2026

Store unwashed in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; clean just before use to maximize freshness. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 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