disheveled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disheveled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a descriptive adjective, used to describe someone or something that is in a state of disarray, or unkempt. For example, "He had an untamed beard and disheveled hair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu's trilogy of novels (Fecioarele despletite [1926; "Disheveled Virgins"], Concert din muzică de Bach [1927; "A Bach Concert"], and Drumul ascuns [1933; "The Hidden Way"]) is a document of changing lifestyles and urbanization, similar to the writings of novelist Ionel Teodoreanu.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At 46 he appears as a boyish young man with romantically disheveled hair, brown eyes, and a generally aggressive, if worried, look; a cheek tumour from which he suffered all of his adult life and which is said to have impeded his speech gives his face a slight twist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'm loathe to say it but often women care more about how they look, so might think cycling will make them a bit disheveled.

Independent

It gives her meaning to hear that deadpan, reedy voice talking back at her, and to have her own slightly disheveled, blowsy image – yes, she's not what she was five years before in the original film – thrown back at her.

Independent

He was wearing a sober blue suit and striped tie, his hair slicked back into the familiar style that looked so disheveled shortly after the election in a now infamous snapshot of him pumping his own gas.

Independent

In a self-published memoir, Morgan, who became speaker of the state's House in 2003, describes Pope as an obsessive policy geek, "perennially disheveled, shirt wrinkled, shirt-tail half out, weaving down the halls of the legislature wearing rumpled suits".

The New Yorker

In the last panel the wife has exploded at the husband and now sits placidly while he appears disheveled and anxious as a result of their argument.

The New Yorker

I had spent hours creating it: a panicked stewardess, hair spiked straight up above her head, tie floating in the same upward direction, uniform beginning to be disheveled.

The New Yorker

His mother agrees with him; although he is somewhat disheveled.

The New Yorker

LaGuardia looked disheveled and fixed them with a tough gaze.

The New Yorker

Those of us watching the Republican National Convention, where the spectacle played out, were meant to imagine that the seat was filled by an invisible President Obama, but the very visible, slightly disheveled Eastwood was too transfixing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disheveled" to vividly describe a state of physical disorder, whether it applies to a person's appearance, a room, or even an abstract concept like plans gone awry. For example, "His "disheveled" appearance suggested he had been up all night."

Common error

Avoid using "disheveled" in formal or professional contexts where a polished image is crucial. Instead, opt for words like "untidy" or "unorganized" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "disheveled" functions primarily as an adjective, describing the physical appearance of someone or something that is not neat or orderly. It is used to add detail and imagery to descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disheveled" is a common adjective used to describe a state of untidiness or disorder, particularly in physical appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. While suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as alternatives like "unkempt" or "rumpled" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Avoid using "disheveled" in situations where a polished or professional image is required. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "disheveled" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unkempt

Emphasizes a lack of grooming or care in appearance.

untidy

Focuses on the lack of neatness or order.

scruffy

Suggests a neglected or slightly dirty appearance.

rumpled

Suggests a creased or wrinkled appearance, often in clothing.

messy

Implies a general lack of order or cleanliness.

mussed

Suggests a state of being ruffled or disarranged.

tousled

Specifically refers to hair that is disordered or ruffled.

uncombed

Specifically refers to hair that is not neatly combed.

bedraggled

Suggests a state of being wet, dirty, and untidy.

slovenly

Implies a lack of care or cleanliness in appearance and habits.

FAQs

How can I use "disheveled" in a sentence?

You can use "disheveled" to describe someone or something that looks untidy or disordered. For example, "After the storm, the garden looked completely "disheveled"" or "He looked "disheveled" after a sleepless night".

What words are similar to "disheveled"?

Similar words include "untidy", "rumpled", "unkempt", and "messy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "disheveled" formal or informal?

"Disheveled" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider alternatives like "untidy" or "unruly" depending on what you are describing.

What's the difference between "disheveled" and "unkempt"?

"Disheveled" suggests a state of disorder or disarray, while "unkempt" implies a lack of grooming or care. Something "unkempt" shows signs of neglect, whereas "disheveled" suggests more temporary disorder even if it can result in that too.