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

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

She is now living in temporary shelter where food is scarce and water unclean.

From BBC

This can lead to some people developing issues such as a cough or runny nose but air-con only leads to serious problems like infections when units are poorly maintained or unclean.

From BBC

"He was literally slurping unclean pond water to stay hydrated," he said.

From BBC

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

From BBC