unclean

[uhn-kleen]

adjective

uncleaner, uncleanest 

1. not clean; dirty.

   Synonyms: filthy

2. morally impure; evil; vile.

   unclean thoughts.

   Synonyms: polluted, corrupt, sinful, unchaste, base

3. 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.

unclean

/ ʌnˈkliːn /

adjective

1. lacking moral, spiritual, ritual, or physical cleanliness

Other Word Forms

• uncleanness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unclean¹

before 900; Middle English unclene, Old English unclǣne. See un- ¹, clean

Example Sentences

This can lead to some people developing issues such as a cough or runny nose but air-con only leads to serious problems like infections when units are poorly maintained or unclean.

From BBC

"He was literally slurping unclean pond water to stay hydrated," he said.

From BBC

The animal charity said the dogs were kept in unclean and overcrowded conditions, with little access to fresh water.

From BBC

The left hand, considered unclean, is reserved for personal hygiene.

From Salon

Dog ownership has been frowned upon in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with dogs viewed as "unclean" by authorities and a legacy of Western cultural influence.

From BBC