dishevelled
Britishadjective
-
(esp of hair) hanging loosely
-
(of general appearance) unkempt; untidy
Etymology
Origin of dishevelled
C15 dischevelee, from Old French deschevelé, from des- dis- 1 + chevel hair, from Latin capillus
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.
The friendly tabby was in great health, her fur was fine and she did not look "dishevelled".
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
Cabin manager co-workers later found him at the bottom of the stairs "dishevelled, pale, sweaty and erratic".
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2025
He says that John was dishevelled and confused: "He was just abandoned. He hardly went out of that room and it was in a terrible state."
From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2025
It is a stream of sequins, flags, face paint and sparkly costumes, all a little more dishevelled than they were when the evening began.
From BBC ● May 14, 2023
Wild-eyed and dishevelled, he seemed to shrink back from the light, and closed the door behind us.
From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
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