Unkept

Describing something or someone that is not properly cared for; untidy, messy, or neglected in appearance or condition. This word can apply to a person, their grooming, their clothes, a place, or even an object. It often implies a lack of attention to detail or a state of disarray due to a failure to maintain cleanliness or order. The severity of 'unkempt' can vary from slightly disheveled to completely neglected. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of care or responsibility, though it can also simply describe a natural or wild aesthetic, depending on context.

Unkept meaning with examples

• His hair was long and **unkempt**, falling over his eyes in a way that suggested he hadn't seen a barber in months. His clothes were wrinkled, and his overall appearance gave the impression that he'd been camping outdoors for several weeks. The contrast with his sharp mind was jarring and made him a compelling figure to the interviewer.
• The garden had become utterly **unkempt** during the summer. Weeds had taken over, and the roses had become engulfed in overgrown bushes. The once-pristine lawn was covered in patches of dead grass and fallen leaves. It was a stark contrast to the meticulously maintained gardens around it, making it a bit of an eyesore to the neighborhood.
• She felt self-conscious at the gala, knowing her dress was a bit **unkempt**, and its hem had torn. Despite the care she had taken to prepare for the event she had simply run out of time. She tried to make herself small amongst the other, glamorous guests. The worry in her voice was clearly audible to the people nearest to her.
• The old abandoned house was a truly **unkempt** sight, with broken windows, peeling paint, and overgrown vegetation. The yard was a tangled mess of weeds and debris, and the porch sagged precariously. It was a clear sign of years of neglect, whispering stories of abandonment to anyone who passed by this derelict structure.