uncleanly
1 Americanadverb
adjective
adverb
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncleanly1
before 950; Old English unclǣnlīce (not recorded in ME). See un- 1, cleanly
Origin of uncleanly2
before 1000; Middle English onclenlich, Old English unclǣnlīc. See unclean, -ly
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.
See Examples For:
They were soon removed, partly because of complaints they were being used in an "uncleanly manner".
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2022
The dim flicker of gas, often subdued and debilitated by grim and uncleanly globes, was supplanted by a steady glare, bright and mellow, which illuminated interiors and shown through windows fixed and unwavering.
From Slate ● Nov. 22, 2013
As the bedbug prefers an uncleanly environment, he is taboo as a subject of polite conversation.
From Time Magazine Archive
A great contrast is apparent here to the crowded streets and narrow lanes of the uncleanly capital, while the air is undoubtedly remarkable for its healthful and invigorating qualities.
From Equatorial America Descriptive of a Visit to St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbadoes, and the Principal Capitals of South America by Maturin Murray Ballou
When radiant peace, dearer than all delight, Bathed every old and feverish smart, Wiped out all memories of the uncleanly fight...
From Challenge by Louis Untermeyer
But unbeknown to most bathers, the boiler heating the water runs on a fuel with the uncleanliest of origins: pellets recycled from soiled adult diapers.
From New York Times ● Nov. 15, 2021
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
