Dishevelled

Dishevelled describes a person's appearance, particularly their hair or clothing, as being untidy, messy, and unkempt. It suggests a lack of order or grooming. The word often implies a state of carelessness or perhaps a rushed and frantic activity that led to the disorder. It paints a picture of someone whose appearance is in disarray, possibly due to physical activity, emotional distress, or simply a lack of attention to personal presentation. The overall impression given by a dishevelled appearance is one of being unkempt, neglected, or possibly even wild.

Dishevelled meaning with examples

• After the storm, Sarah's usually neat ponytail was completely dishevelled, strands of hair plastered to her face by the rain. Her dress was also ripped and mud-stained after rushing around in the chaos of the incident. She was relieved that everyone was safe, regardless of how she looked. This highlighted the traumatic events.
• The weary traveler stumbled into the inn, his clothes dishevelled and his face covered in soot. He had been through a tough experience traveling through the mountains for weeks. He didn't bother cleaning himself up, just wanting a warm place and a meal to eat after dealing with constant dangers.
• Despite his formal attire, the actor looked dishevelled after the grueling rehearsal, his tie askew and his hair ruffled. His expression demonstrated his tiredness. His dedication, in this situation, highlighted the emotional struggle for perfection that he had to face daily.
• The child emerged from playing in the garden, her pigtails dishevelled, grass stains marking her knees, and a mischievous grin on her face. The look demonstrated her freedom, and how happy she was in the outside world. The overall feeling was of innocent fun that demonstrated a carefree spirit.