unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn 

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 

noun

Synonyms

• corrupt
• debased
• debauched
• decadent
• degenerate
• degraded
• demoralized
• depraved
• dissipated
• dissolute
• jackleg
• libertine
• loose
• perverse
• perverted
• rakehell
• rakehelly
• rakish
• reprobate
• sick
• unwholesome
• warped

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

Raw or unclean data is not optimal in business since misleading data leads to wrong decisions. —Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

The letter chronicled some of the health care horrors of Gaza: Infant formula mixed with unclean water fed to malnourished babies. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024

For making the offensive suggestion that doctors’ hands might somehow be unclean, Semmelweis was denounced by the medical establishment and later lost his job. —Pamela Paul, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024

There’s a theme with her feeling shamed and unclean throughout the season. —Olivia-Anne Cleary, TIME, 29 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn 

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 

noun