uncouth

[uhn-kooth]

adjective

1. awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly.

   uncouth behavior; an uncouth relative who embarrasses the family.

   Synonyms: uncivil, rude, discourteous
   Antonyms: courteous

2. strange and ungraceful in appearance or form.

3. unusual or strange.

   Synonyms: unfamiliar, odd

uncouth

/ ʌnˈkuːθ /

adjective

1. lacking in good manners, refinement, or grace

Other Word Forms

• uncouthly adverb
• uncouthness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncouth¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English uncūth ( un- ¹, couth ² ); cognate with Dutch onkond

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncouth¹

Old English uncūth, from _un- ¹ + cūth familiar; related to Old High German kund known, Old Norse kunnr

Synonym Study

See boorish.

Example Sentences

“Who on earth is this dirty, uncouth, and uncivilized creature?” she demanded.

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Writers called the trees “grotesque,” “infernal” and “uncouth.”

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But the liberal opposition was largely unwilling to be so uncouth as to connect the dots.

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Some argue that tourists behave in an uncouth, disrespectful way - violating the strong norms of courtesy on which Japanese people pride themselves.

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George Steffes, who served as Reagan’s legislative director in Sacramento, allowed as how the loudly and proudly uncouth Trump was “180 degrees” from the politely mannered Reagan.

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