Definitions

unkempt

[uhn-kempt] / ʌnˈkɛmpt /

ADJECTIVE

shabby, sloppy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bedraggled dilapidated disheveled grubby grungy messy neglected rumpled scruffy shaggy

WEAK

coarse crude dirty disarranged disarrayed disordered messed-up mussed-up rough slipshod slovenly tousled unclean uncombed unfastidious ungroomed unimproved unneat unpolished untidy vulgar

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clean kempt neat ordered smooth tidy

WEAK

trim

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Seriously, it makes you just want to hug that unkempt, headband-wearing dude and let him know how his everyman story resonates with the masses.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

Some people might judge Roxanne’s home as messy or unkempt.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

In it, he played a nerdy, unkempt co-founder who gets left behind when the business takes off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

It’s not that the right of way under the power lines now is unkempt.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

Now she was odd, murky, and worst of all, unkempt.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing unkempt

The Call of the Wild

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The One and Only Ivan

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Uglies

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!