Definition

Not tidy or well-groomed; messy in appearance or condition.

Example

His unkempt hair made him look disheveled.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen Mark lately?

Yeah, he looks a bit unkempt these days.

I noticed that too; his hair is all over the place.

Right? I wonder if he's just been really busy or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unkempt → It is formed from the prefix "un-" (meaning not) and the root "kempt" (from the Old English "cempt", meaning combed or groomed). The word "unkempt" means not combed or not well-groomed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'groomed' ('kempt') — that's why unkempt describes someone who is not well-groomed.

Visually Confused Words