What does unclean mean?
Unclean is an adjective meaning not clean, especially when dirt, contamination, or poor hygiene is involved. Its uses often extend beyond physical condition: in religious, legal, and moral contexts, it can describe something considered impure, improper, or contrary to accepted standards. For example, an unclean substance may be contaminated or unsafe, while an accusation can be called an unclean attempt to harm someone’s reputation. The word generally has a more serious and formal tone than “dirty,” and it can carry moral or spiritual condemnation rather than merely describe the appearance of an object. “Unclean hands” is a familiar expression suggesting both physical impurity and guilt or moral blame. Understanding both literal and figurative uses is important because the word can move easily from describing what is literally dirty to describing what is morally or ritually objectionable.
adjectiveNot clean; dirty, contaminated, or otherwise unfit for use. In moral, religious, or legal contexts, it can mean impure, improper, or violating accepted standards of purity.
- Dirty, contaminated, or otherwise not clean.
- Impure or improper in a moral, religious, or legal sense.
- Indecent, obscene, or not wholesome.
"The old wooden crates were so unclean that no one wanted to touch them."
"The old wooden crates were so unclean that no one wanted to touch them."
"The accusation was dismissed as an unclean attempt to damage the minister’s reputation."
From grimy hands to ritual impurity, “unclean” has long carried both physical dirt and moral judgment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
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How unclean is actually used
The word is formal and often stronger or more morally serious than simply “dirty.” In religious and legal writing, “unclean” may describe ritual impurity or conduct considered forbidden; in modern general use, it commonly describes poor hygiene, contamination, or objects that are not properly clean.