is rather unkempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather unkempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears messy or disheveled in appearance. Example: "After a long day at work, his hair is rather unkempt, and his clothes are wrinkled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

What remains — roses, box, stands of cypress and olive trees, big fleshy acanthus leaves — is rather unkempt and ordinary.

The New York Times - Travel

This is my hair!" and, with a camp touch of her hand to the preposterous tresses, adds: "It is rather unkempt, I know".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was about 60, tall, slouched, professor-like and wearing a nice suit that was rather unkempt.

Forbes

He was unkempt, rather untidy.

The New Yorker

Things increasingly don't work, we're seeing some people who look rather unkempt.

Huffington Post

His hair was already clearly mixed with gray and rather unkempt.

Vice

Her feet look rather unkempt, and I think painted nails pull a look together — especially in summer!

The New York Times

I strolled around the rather unkempt park, past parents airing babies in the shade of palms and sycamores.

The New York Times - Travel

It can't have escaped his record company's attention that beneath the defiantly unkempt mop, Cardy is actually rather handsome.

The Guardian - Music

The artificial turf here is ragged and unkempt.

The New York Times - Sports

The grass is unkempt, the graves overgrown with weeds three feet high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's appearance, be mindful of the context and audience. Using "is rather unkempt" might be appropriate in a narrative setting, but could be perceived as overly critical in direct conversation. Use the phrase to convey a sense of neglect or lack of grooming, not as a direct insult.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather unkempt" in formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives, such as "appears disheveled" or "lacks a polished appearance", to maintain a respectful and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather unkempt" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to attribute a quality of untidiness or neglect to a subject. It adds detail to descriptions by indicating a lack of grooming or care, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rather unkempt" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating a state of untidiness or neglect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to convey a somewhat negative impression of someone or something's appearance, the phrase can be used in News & Media but it's not common in Academia, Formal & Business, or Science. Consider using alternatives such as "is somewhat disheveled" or "looks somewhat untidy" in more formal contexts. While grammatically sound, its impact should be carefully considered based on the intended audience and setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looks somewhat untidy

Employs "untidy" as a direct synonym for "unkempt", keeping the meaning close.

is somewhat disheveled

Replaces "unkempt" with "disheveled", implying a slightly less severe state of disorder.

is slightly disordered

Uses "disordered" to suggest a lack of arrangement or neatness.

is a bit messy

Uses a more casual term, "messy", to describe a similar state of untidiness.

is a little scruffy

Introduces "scruffy", implying a rough or unpolished look.

appears quite neglected

Focuses on the lack of care or maintenance, rather than just the appearance.

seems a bit neglected

Similar to "appears quite neglected" but with a slightly less formal tone.

has a neglected appearance

Shifts the focus to the overall impression of neglect.

is rather rumpled

Suggests a state of being creased or wrinkled, often in reference to clothing or surfaces.

is quite unpolished

Emphasizes the lack of refinement or elegance.

FAQs

What does "is rather unkempt" mean?

The phrase "is rather unkempt" means that something or someone appears messy, untidy, or not well cared for. It suggests a lack of grooming or maintenance.

What can I say instead of "is rather unkempt"?

You can use alternatives like "is somewhat disheveled", "looks somewhat untidy", or "appears quite neglected" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is rather unkempt"?

It's appropriate to use "is rather unkempt" when describing a state of untidiness or a lack of grooming in a narrative or descriptive context. Avoid using it in direct or formal situations where it could be seen as impolite.

Is "is rather unkempt" a formal or informal phrase?

"Is rather unkempt" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. It's suitable for general descriptive writing but might not be appropriate for highly formal or professional communications.