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

A longstanding taboo in Chinese culture against used goods, seen as unclean or a shameful sign of poverty, is lifting rapidly.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

“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 • Feb. 18, 2026

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

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

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

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2025

The hole below was filled with a sludge of soiled water and worse, all the useless and unclean bits discarded during the slaughtering process.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros