easy
The garden looked unkempt after weeks without care.
What does Unkempt mean?
Unkempt means messy or not neat.
Dictionary definition
Unkempt means messy, not neat, or not cared for in appearance.
Example sentences
Unkempt in a sentence
medium
An unkempt desk can make supplies hard to find.
hard
The author described the abandoned cabin as unkempt, with weeds, dust, and broken shutters.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice unkempt in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Unkempt
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does unkempt mean?
Unkempt describes something that looks messy, untidy, or not cared for.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to unkempt?
Untidy is close in meaning because unkempt means not neat or cared for.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for unkempt?
Neat is a useful contrast because unkempt means not neat.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Unkempt
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Sounds like
un · kempt · strongest beat: kempt
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUnkempt.
Partadjective.
MeaningUnkempt means messy or not neat.
ExampleExample: The garden looked unkempt after weeks without care.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · kempt
- Strongest beat
- kempt
- Ending
- kempt
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on kempt.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Unkempt
Antonyms
Opposite words
neatUse when something is clean and orderly.
well-keptUse when something is cared for and maintained.
Synonym practice
Want to practice unkempt synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The unkempt garden needed trimming and care," then compare close word choices. Practice unkempt synonyms.
Word family
Unkempt word family
Base word
unkempt
adjective
kempt
Neat or cared for, though much less common than unkempt.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Unkempt
Hint for students
Unkempt means messy, untidy, or not cared for. It can describe places, gardens, rooms, clothing, or appearance.
Common mix-up
Use unkempt carefully when describing people. It is often better for places or objects unless the sentence is respectful and specific.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows unkempt without using the word unkempt. Then underline the clue words that show messiness, neglect, or lack of care. Example: Weeds covered the path, and dry leaves filled the corners of the yard. Clue words: weeds covered, path, dry leaves, filled the corners Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something messy or not cared for?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The garden looked unkempt after weeks without care." Why does unkempt fit better than well-kept?
Learning activities
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