Unkempt

Unkempt describes a person or thing that is untidy, neglected, or poorly maintained. It suggests a lack of care, order, and attention to appearance or condition. This word often implies a degree of carelessness, possibly stemming from fatigue, financial hardship, or a generally disorganized lifestyle. It applies not only to physical appearance but also to environments or objects. The term's connotation can range from a casual lack of grooming to a more severe state of disrepair or neglect. It evokes a sense of disorder and a lack of refinement, highlighting a departure from conventionally accepted standards of neatness and tidiness.

Unkempt meaning with examples

• The explorer, after weeks in the wilderness, returned home looking unkempt; his beard was overgrown, clothes torn and covered in mud. His haggard appearance reflected the challenges faced in his perilous adventure. He had clearly prioritized survival over personal grooming in his journey back.
• The old, abandoned house stood Unkempt, with peeling paint, overgrown weeds, and broken windows. It was evident no one had cared for it in years. The Unkempt appearance was in stark contrast to the manicured lawns of the surrounding properties.
• Despite her efforts, the Unkempt state of her desk was a constant source of frustration. Papers were scattered, pens were missing, and stacks of books formed precarious piles. It was a visual reminder of the chaos and lack of order in her mind, she thought.
• He presented himself Unkempt for the job interview, with wrinkled clothes and uncombed hair, which immediately gave the hiring manager a bad first impression. His appearance signaled to the company that he lacked respect and a lack of personal hygiene and care.
• The Unkempt garden, filled with overgrown shrubs and weeds, gave the impression of neglect. The contrast between the neglected garden, and the perfect, preened and preened homes surrounding showed a lack of concern for his home.