unwashed

American  

[uhn-wosht, -wawsht] / ʌnˈwɒʃt, -ˈwɔʃt /

adjective

1. not cleaned or purified by or as if by washing.

   unwashed dishes;

   the unwashed soul of a sinner.

2. pertaining to or characteristic of the common people; untutored, unsophisticated, or ignorant; plebeian.

   the power of the unwashed electorate.

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noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. an ignorant or lower-class group; rabble.

   The author claimed that the unwashed would not understand his books.

unwashed British  

/ ʌnˈwɒʃt /

adjective

1. not washed

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plural noun

1. humorous the masses

Etymology

Origin of unwashed

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; un- ¹ + wash ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Modi, as the Italian was affectionately called, was urbane, well-groomed and handsome, while Soutine was destitute, sickly and notoriously unwashed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

So they wear the same unwashed Dodgers shirt each game.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

Reading Borough Council inspectors also found light switches and taps were unwashed and blood-stained cardboard on the floor.

From BBC • May 10, 2025

This means as well as dirt, unwashed produce may contain a variety of potentially harmful matter – including bacteria, fungi, viruses and pesticides.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2024

The whole place carries the smell of unwashed bodies and tobacco smoke with a faint air of decay.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland