untidy
Americanadjective
-
not tidy or neat; slovenly; disordered.
an untidy room; an untidy person.
-
not well-organized or carried out.
an untidy plan.
verb (used with object)
adjective
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of untidy
Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at un- 1, tidy
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.
"It's basically about the satisfaction of starting with something untidy, learning the skills to bring order to the scene, then looking back at a job well done," he said.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
"It's going to look a bit untidy on the way through. Big reforms always do," Communications Minister Anika Wells has said.
From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025
"We were a bit untidy in attack but I thought we were outstanding in defence. We really cut off their edges, shut them right out."
From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025
But to Berkowitz the untidy appearance hasn’t diminished what he sees as quality care he’s provided to his ducks.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024
His black hair was longer than it had been when he had appeared in the fire, and it was untidy and matted once more.
From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling
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.
