unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn How to pronounce unclean (audio)
Synonyms of uncleannext
1
: dirty, filthy
2
: morally or spiritually impure
3
: infected with a harmful supernatural contagion
also : prohibited by ritual law for use or contact
4
: lacking in clarity and precision of conception or execution
uncleanness
ˌən-ˈklēn-nəs How to pronounce unclean (audio)
noun

Synonyms of unclean

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Examples of unclean in a Sentence

Many of their health problems were caused by unclean living conditions. there's something unclean about this whole business
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tooth of the table mounted can opener was unclean with old white debris. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 This reduces the amount of dirt tracking that happens when cleaning with an unclean item. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 21 May 2026 Health inspectors found rodent droppings under the soda fountain and unclean traps. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026 Food can become contaminated at any stage of preparation, according to the Mayo Clinic, which warns that unclean kitchen tools and surfaces can transfer harmful germs. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclean

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclean was before the 12th century

Rhymes for unclean

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Browse Nearby Words

uncle
unclean
uncleaned
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Cite this Entry

“Unclean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclean. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unclean

adjective
un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn How to pronounce unclean (audio)
1
: not pure and innocent : wicked
2
: prohibited by religious law for use or contact
3
: dirty entry 1 sense 1, filthy
uncleanness
-ˈklēn-nəs How to pronounce unclean (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unclean

Nglish: Translation of unclean for Spanish Speakers

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