unkempt
UK: ʌnˈkɛm(p)t | US: ʌnˈkɛm(p)t
adj. (of hair, clothing, or appearance) untidy or disheveled
adj. (figuratively) lacking order or refinement; rough or uncultivated
The word "unkempt" originates from the Old English prefix "un-" (meaning "not") combined with the past participle "kempt" of the verb "kemb" (to comb). "Kemb" itself derives from Proto-Germanic *kambijaną, related to the act of combing hair. Over time, "kempt" evolved to mean "neatly arranged," while "unkempt" retained its literal sense of "uncombed" and expanded metaphorically to describe general disarray. The contrast between the orderly "kempt" and its negation "unkempt" vividly captures the word's logic.
His unkempt hair suggested he had just woken up.
The garden looked wild and unkempt after months of neglect.
She appeared at the meeting in an unkempt sweater, drawing surprised glances.
The manuscript was filled with unkempt scribbles and corrections.
Despite his unkempt appearance, his ideas were remarkably polished.