Definition

Not maintained or cared for; in a messy or neglected condition.

Example

The garden looked unkept after the long winter.

Conversation

Have you seen that park lately?

Yeah, it looks really unkept and messy now.

I used to love going there for walks.

Same here! It's sad to see it in such an unkept state.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unkept → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "kept" (from Old English "cepan", meaning to seize or hold). The word "unkept" means not held or maintained, referring to something that is neglected or not taken care of.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') taking care of something that should be 'held' ('kept') — that's why unkept means something that is not maintained.

Visually Confused Words