unclean
Americanadjective
-
not clean; dirty.
- Synonyms:
- filthy
-
morally impure; evil; vile.
unclean thoughts.
-
Chiefly Biblical. having a physical or moral blemish so as to make impure according to the laws, especially the dietary or ceremonial laws.
an unclean animal; unclean persons.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- uncleanness noun
Etymology
Origin of unclean
before 900; Middle English unclene, Old English unclǣne. See un- 1, clean
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s the tragic result of a system failing to meet the most basic duty of care,” Padilla said in a statement, citing reports of mold in food, unclean drinking water and barriers to medical care.
From Los Angeles Times
Like many chefs, he bemoans National Insurance rises and increasing business rates, but also more local problems like limited car parking and unclean streets, which put off diners.
From BBC
Sick dogs can easily be reinfected by grooming themselves and living in an unclean environment.
From Los Angeles Times
The two bacteria are spread through contact with contaminated faeces, either directly through person-to-person transmission or indirectly from unclean food, water or surfaces.
From BBC
If that makes you a little sick, if the whole thing feels a little unclean, that’s only because the internet has become a nauseous, infested place.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
