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unkempthaving an untidy or disheveled appearance; not properly maintained or cared for

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: having an untidy or disheveled appearance; not properly maintained or cared for

Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈkempt/

Example Sentences

  • The professor's unkempt office was filled with stacks of papers and empty coffee cups.
  • After three days of gaming marathon, Jake looked completely unkempt with his messy hair and wrinkled pajamas.
  • The unkempt lawn hadn't been mowed in months.

unkempt

ADJECTIVE

[/ʌnˈkempt/]

having an untidy or disheveled appearance; not properly maintained or cared for

After three sleepless nights coding, his unkempt hair sticks out in every direction.
💡 Concept

After three sleepless nights coding, his unkempt hair sticks out in every direction.

Though unkempt and facing contempt, he makes another attempt!
🎵 Rhyme

Though unkempt and facing contempt, he makes another attempt!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ʌnˈkempt/
🇬🇧 UK/ʌnˈkempt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixun--
Rootkempt

Origin

From Middle English 'kempt' (combed, neat), the past participle of 'kemb' meaning to comb. The prefix 'un-' negates the meaning, creating the opposite of a neat or combed appearance.

Breakdown

un- (not) + kempt (combed, neat, past participle of kemb) = unkempt (not combed; untidy)

🎵Rhyme

attemptexemptcontempt
attempt
exempt
contempt

🔗Collocations

unkempt hair
unkempt appearance
unkempt garden
unkempt beard
look unkempt
unkempt clothes

📝Examples

The professor's unkempt office was filled with stacks of papers and empty coffee cups.

😄 Fun example

After three days of gaming marathon, Jake looked completely unkempt with his messy hair and wrinkled pajamas.

The unkempt lawn hadn't been mowed in months.

😄 Fun example

My cat always manages to look unkempt right before important visitors arrive.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

disheveledmessyuntidyscruffyslovenly

Antonyms

neattidywell-groomed

Related

sloppybedraggledrumpledshabby

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