unkempt

USAGE SUMMARY

'unkempt' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means not neat, tidy, or well-groomed. You can use it to describe a physical appearance or a situation. For example: "I noticed his unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes, which made me wonder if he had just rolled out of bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a female academic who looks similarly casual, or scruffy, or unkempt, risks becoming the target of a range of sexist assumptions: she must be a student, or a mother distracted from the job by childcare, or a woman too old to need to bother about her appearance.

The Guardian

The last sighting of Paula was beside an unkempt garden off Handford Road in the red light district at 12.20am last Sunday, pitching for business in a grey hooded top, jeans and Reebok trainers.

The Guardian

Should the neighbouring one be unkempt, it will be weeded and a fresh or plastic flower or two placed in the empty vase.

The Guardian

'Those who come here are busy people who think that they like to rush around but La Luna soon gets to them.' Bertucci, bearded, fashionably unkempt and as Italian looking as his name, built this place from scratch with money (about $2 million) from a few friends in the New York fashion world where he was a well-known PR man.

The Guardian - Travel

Not the ironic, hipster ones but big, unkempt bushels of hair on cheeks that have never seen male anti-wrinkle cream because, in the decade concerned, it has not yet been invented.

The Guardian - Opinion

SIX years ago, when unkempt northern rebels filed into the Ethiopian capital dressed in plastic sandals and shorts, they were not only defeating the Soviet-backed dictator, Mengistu Haile Mariam.

The Economist

Yet inside the unkempt brick semis, the police claim to have discovered a latter-day Fagin's gang of child thieves.

The Economist

But now the house lies empty, its rolling lawns unkempt.

The Economist

For non-American readers, "nappy-headed" refers to unkempt black curly hair.

The Economist

The town is a gaggle of unkempt buildings.

The Economist

Even so, as the unkempt forests have thickened, wildfires that do occur have grown alarmingly in intensity, burning hotter, faster and more destructively.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, use "unkempt" to convey a lack of grooming or tidiness. For example, "His unkempt beard gave him a rugged look."

Common error

Avoid using "unkempt" in highly formal or professional settings where precision and attention to detail are paramount. Opt for more neutral or descriptive language if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unkempt" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as lacking neatness, tidiness, or grooming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unkempt" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of neatness or grooming. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as encyclopedia sources. While generally neutral, avoiding "unkempt" in strictly formal writing is advisable. Consider alternatives like "untidy" or "disheveled" for nuanced descriptions. Use "unkempt" to effectively convey a sense of neglect or lack of order in both appearance and surroundings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untidy

Focuses on the lack of order and neatness.

disheveled

Emphasizes a state of disorder, particularly in appearance.

messy

Highlights a lack of cleanliness and order.

slovenly

Suggests a habitual lack of neatness and care.

scruffy

Implies a rough or neglected appearance.

uncombed

Specifically refers to hair that is not neatly arranged.

neglected

Highlights a lack of care and attention.

rumpled

Suggests a creased or wrinkled appearance.

unpolished

Indicates a lack of refinement or sophistication.

in disarray

Describes a state of disorder and confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "unkempt" in a sentence?

You can use "unkempt" to describe appearances, such as "His "unkempt hair"" or "The "unkempt garden"".

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

"Unkempt" refers to a general lack of grooming or tidiness, while "slovenly" suggests a habitual and often reprehensible lack of neatness.

Are there synonyms for "unkempt"?

Yes, some synonyms for "unkempt" include "untidy", "disheveled", and "messy".

Is "unkempt" formal or informal?

"Unkempt" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for most contexts, but it may be best to avoid it in extremely formal situations where more precise language is preferred.