unclean

adjective

un·​clean ˌən-ˈklēn How to pronounce unclean (audio)
1
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 noun

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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near unclean

Cite this Entry

“Unclean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclean. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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
uncleanness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unclean

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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