unclean

American  

[uhn-kleen] / ʌnˈklin /

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.

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unclean British  

/ ʌnˈkliːn /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• uncleanness noun

Etymology

Origin of unclean

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

Example Sentences

“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