Definition

Not clean; dirty or impure in a physical, moral, or spiritual sense.

Example

The unclean dishes were left in the sink for days.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see that old house down the street?

Yeah, it looks really unclean and abandoned.

I wonder if anyone actually lives there anymore.

I hope not; it seems like a place where bad things could happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unclean → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "clean" (from Old English "clæne", meaning free from dirt or impurities). The word "unclean" means not clean or dirty.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'clean' — so unclean means something that is not clean.

Visually Confused Words