uncouth

[uhn-kooth]

adjective

1. awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly.

   uncouth behavior; an uncouth relative who embarrasses the family.

   Synonyms: uncivil, rude, discourteous
   Antonyms: courteous

2. strange and ungraceful in appearance or form.

3. unusual or strange.

   Synonyms: unfamiliar, odd

uncouth

/ ʌnˈkuːθ /

adjective

1. lacking in good manners, refinement, or grace

Other Word Forms

• uncouthly adverb
• uncouthness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncouth¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English uncūth ( un- ¹, couth ² ); cognate with Dutch onkond

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncouth¹

Old English uncūth, from _un- ¹ + cūth familiar; related to Old High German kund known, Old Norse kunnr

Synonym Study

See boorish.

Example Sentences

But the liberal opposition was largely unwilling to be so uncouth as to connect the dots.

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Some argue that tourists behave in an uncouth, disrespectful way - violating the strong norms of courtesy on which Japanese people pride themselves.

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George Steffes, who served as Reagan’s legislative director in Sacramento, allowed as how the loudly and proudly uncouth Trump was “180 degrees” from the politely mannered Reagan.

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These days, “‘Housewives’ trip” is synonymous with the most outlandish, uncouth, highly compelling television that the reality genre has to offer.

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It was classic Alatorre: uncompromising, uncouth and unapologetic in the name of exerting his influence to better Latinos.

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