unkempt
What does "unkempt" mean?
"Unkempt" describes someone or something that appears messy, neglected, or untidy, specifically referring to hair, clothing, or general physical appearance. Think of a person who has just rolled out of bed after a long, restless night, with hair sticking up in every direction and clothes wrinkled from disuse. While "messy" is a common synonym, "unkempt" carries a slightly more formal tone and often implies a lack of grooming or maintenance over time. It is frequently used to describe someone's hair or general state of dress, suggesting that they have not put effort into their presentation, rather than just being momentarily disorganized.
"unkempt" in conversation
A coffee shop meeting
Did you see Mark today? He looked so unkempt.
Did you see Mark today? He looked so unkempt.
I know, he hasn't shaved in weeks and his shirt was covered in wrinkles.
I know, he hasn't shaved in weeks and his shirt was covered in wrinkles.
Used to describe a person's lack of grooming.
Describing an old property
The house has been vacant for years, so the garden is quite unkempt.
The house has been vacant for years, so the garden is quite unkempt.
I don't mind a bit of wild grass; the structure itself is solid.
I don't mind a bit of wild grass; the structure itself is solid.
Can also apply to neglected physical spaces like gardens.
"unkempt" in a sentence
He arrived at the interview with unkempt hair.
He arrived at the interview with unkempt hair.
Despite her unkempt appearance, she was a brilliant scholar.
Despite her unkempt appearance, she was a brilliant scholar.
The unkempt state of the overgrown backyard suggested the owner had long since abandoned the property.
The unkempt state of the overgrown backyard suggested the owner had long since abandoned the property.
