VocabDictionary

unkept

/ʌnˈkɛpt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Not maintained, tended, or cared for; messy, neglected, or untidy in appearance.

Example Sentences:
  • The abandoned house had an unkept lawn with overgrown weeds.
  • He showed up to the meeting with an unkept beard and wrinkled clothes.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “unkept”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a combination of the negative prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-') and the past participle 'kept' (from Old English 'cēpan', meaning to take care of, guard, or tend). Historically, it has been used since the 14th century to describe things not properly maintained, looked after, or preserved.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of something that was not 'kept' clean or maintained, leaving it 'unkept'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “unkept

1. What is the meaning of “unkept” in English?

In English, unkept (adjective) is defined as: “Not maintained, tended, or cared for; messy, neglected, or untidy in appearance.”.

2. How do you use “unkept” in a sentence?

The abandoned house had an unkept lawn with overgrown weeds.

3. What are English synonyms of “unkept”?

Common synonyms include:untidy,neglected,disheveled,messy,overgrown

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “unkept”?

Formed in Middle English as a combination of the negative prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-') and the past participle 'kept' (from Old English 'cēpan', meaning to take care of, guard, or tend). Historically, it has been used since the 14th century to describe things not properly maintained, looked after, or preserved.