disheveled appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disheveled appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose hair and clothing are messy or untidy, often implying a lack of care in their presentation. Example: "After a long night of studying, she arrived at class with a disheveled appearance, her hair in disarray and her clothes wrinkled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The nickname jungleman comes from these days, referencing Cates's frequently disheveled appearance and simian arms.

The New York Times - Magazine

Among many cartoonish characterizations in "Harvard Rules," he dwells on Summers's table manners and often disheveled appearance.

The New York Times

Johnny Depp has long favored the P3 style, which softens his angular features and puts a gentlemanly spin on his generally disheveled appearance.

The New York Times

Follow Despiten thetter.

Vice

On the other hand, these men might be subject to greater social marginalization due to homelessness, disheveled appearance, scarring from track marks, tattoos, or newcomer status, making them more vulnerable to arrest[12].

Plosone

On initial presentation to the psychiatry out-patient clinic, the main concern seemed to be disheveled appearance and weak physical health.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In recent months, the pressure has only intensified: scores of rights lawyers and political dissenters have been detained, and even the armies of migrant workers who built the Olympic stadiums have been encouraged to leave town, lest their disheveled appearances detract from the image of a clean, modern nation.

The New York Times - Sports

He stood afterward in the winning locker room, his dress shirt untucked, his tie loosened, his appearance disheveled, as if he had just played.

The New York Times - Sports

Rolled-up pants, haphazard layering and a muted brown-gray palette suggest a disheveled yet very deliberate appearance.

The New York Times

However, there are some common red flags that should make you think twice before accepting an offer, no matter what your interviewer's gender: Their appearance is disheveled.

Huffington Post

Her back is arched and she appears disheveled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "disheveled appearance" to quickly convey a sense of neglect, stress, or a non-conformist attitude. For example, "His disheveled appearance hinted at sleepless nights spent solving the case."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "disheveled appearance" to characterize someone. Instead, add specific details such as "stained shirt", "mismatched socks", or "unkempt hair" to create a more vivid and unique image.

Linguistic Context

Disheveled functions as an adjective modifying the noun appearance. This phrase describes the state or quality of looking untidy or disordered. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disheveled appearance" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an untidy or unkempt look. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, consider using more specific descriptors or synonyms like "unkempt" or "messy" for enhanced clarity. It is found predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and strive for vivid descriptions with specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untidy look

Focuses on the lack of neatness or order in someone's appearance.

unkempt appearance

Emphasizes the lack of grooming or care in someone's appearance.

messy appearance

Highlights the lack of order and neatness in one's presentation.

slovenly appearance

Suggests a careless and negligent approach to one's grooming.

rumpled look

Implies a creased and unironed state of clothing and general look.

scruffy appearance

Indicates a rough and slightly dirty or worn look.

disorderly attire

Focuses specifically on the untidy state of clothing.

shambolic appearance

Highlights a state of utter disorganization and untidiness.

uncombed hair and wrinkled clothes

Specifically describes the elements of a disheveled look.

generally unkempt

Refers to the overall state of being uncared for or untidy.

FAQs

What does "disheveled appearance" mean?

A "disheveled appearance" refers to an untidy or unkempt look, typically involving messy hair, wrinkled clothing, or a general lack of grooming.

What can I say instead of "disheveled appearance"?

You can use alternatives like "untidy look", "unkempt appearance", or "messy appearance" depending on the context.

Is "disheveled appearance" formal or informal?

The phrase "disheveled appearance" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives such as "unkempt appearance" might be preferred in professional settings.

How can I use "disheveled appearance" in a sentence?

You can say, "The detective's disheveled appearance reflected the intensity of his investigation" or "Despite his disheveled appearance, he possessed a sharp intellect".