Unkempt vs. Unkept — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
Unkempt refers to someone or something that's messy and untidy, highlighting a lack of grooming or neatness, while unkept implies promises or places not maintained or fulfilled.
Difference Between Unkempt and Unkept
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Unkempt primarily describes a person's appearance or an area that appears disheveled or poorly maintained, suggesting a visible neglect or absence of care. On the other hand, unkept is often used in the context of agreements, promises, or properties, pointing to a failure in upholding standards, commitments, or maintenance.
Unkempt hair or gardens visually communicate a lack of attention and grooming, evoking a sense of chaos or natural disorder. Whereas unkept promises or buildings denote a breach of trust or decline, resonating with themes of disappointment or degradation.
The term unkempt often carries a negative connotation, especially when referring to personal grooming, implying a disregard for social norms or personal hygiene. Unkept, however, speaks more to a lapse in responsibility or care, affecting interpersonal trust or property value.
In literature and conversation, unkempt is frequently used to build a character's image or describe a setting, enhancing narrative depth through physical description. Unkept, in contrast, is leveraged to develop plot or character relationships, underscoring the consequences of neglect or the breaking of vows.
Culturally, unkemptness can be associated with certain lifestyles or artistic expressions, sometimes embracing the aesthetic of the untamed or raw. Unkept spaces or agreements, however, are universally seen as negatives, reflecting failure or decay across different contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
Not adhered to or maintained, especially in promises or duties
Usage Context
Describes appearance, places
Refers to promises, duties, properties
Connotation
Often negative, implying neglect
Suggests failure or neglect in duty or care
Common Associations
Hair, gardens, clothing
Promises, agreements, buildings
Cultural Perception
Can be lifestyle or aesthetic choice, usually seen as negative
Universally negative, indicates decline or failure
Compare with Definitions
Unkempt
Characterized by disorder.
The unkempt room was cluttered with books and clothes.
Unkept
Not maintained or cared for.
The unkept garden was overrun with weeds.
Unkempt
Wild or untidy in nature.
The garden had become an unkempt wilderness over the years.
Unkept
Spaces or properties showing signs of neglect.
The unkept building was a haven for pests.
Unkempt
Lacking neatness in appearance.
His unkempt beard gave him a rugged look.
Unkept
Failing to meet obligations or expectations.
Their unkept duties resulted in a loss of clientele.
Unkempt
Not neatly combed or groomed.
Her unkempt hair reflected her hurried morning.
Unkept
Promises or agreements not fulfilled.
His unkept promises led to distrust.
Unkempt
Reflecting neglect in personal grooming.
His unkempt appearance raised eyebrows at the formal event.
Unkept
Reflecting a lack of upkeep or attention.
The unkept records made accounting a nightmare.
Unkempt
(especially of a person) having an untidy or dishevelled appearance
They were unwashed and unkempt
Unkept
Not kept or fulfilled
An unkept promise.
Unkempt
Not combed
Unkempt hair.
Unkept
Not kept especially of promises.
Unkempt
Disorderly or untidy in appearance
An unkempt vagabond.
An unkempt garden.
Unkept
(of a commitment or undertaking) not honoured or fulfilled
Unkept appointments and broken promises
Unkempt
(of hair) Uncombed; dishevelled.
Unkept
Not tidy or cared for
Lawns unkept and ponds neglected
Unkempt
(by extension) Disorderly; untidy; messy; not kept up.
Unkempt bedroom
Unkept
Unkempt
An unkept cemetery plot.
Unkempt
(figurative) Rough; unpolished
Unkept
(especially of promises or contracts) having been violated or disregarded;
Broken (or unkept) promises
Broken contracts
Unkempt
Not combed; disheveled; as, an urchin with unkempt hair.
Unkempt
Fig.; Not smoothed; unpolished; rough.
My rhymes be rugged and unkempt.
Unkempt
Not neatly combed;
Wild unkempt hair
Unkempt
Not neat or cared for; slovenly;
His unkempt appearance
Unkempt
Not properly maintained;
An unkempt garden
Native vistas and unkempt rambling paths
Common Curiosities
What does unkempt mean?
Unkempt describes something or someone that looks disordered, messy, or poorly groomed.
What is the meaning of unkept?
Unkept refers to something not maintained or promises that have not been fulfilled.
Can a person be described as unkept?
While less common, describing a person as unkept usually implies neglect in duties or promises rather than appearance.
Is unkemptness only related to physical appearance?
Primarily, yes. It suggests a lack of grooming or order in physical appearance or spaces.
Are unkept gardens a sign of neglect?
Yes, they indicate a lack of maintenance and care.
How does the term unkept apply to agreements?
It denotes agreements or promises that have been neglected or not honored.
Does unkempt imply dirtiness?
Often, but not always. It mainly suggests disorder or disarray.
How can unkempt hair be described?
As disheveled, messy, or not neatly combed.
Can unkempt be a lifestyle choice?
Yes, some may choose a more natural or less groomed appearance intentionally.
Can unkempt have a positive connotation?
Rarely, it can be viewed positively in contexts that valorize naturalness or authenticity.
What might an unkept record imply in a business?
It suggests poor organization and possible operational issues.
Can a building be unkempt?
Yes, indicating it is disordered or not well-maintained.
Is an unkept promise the same as a broken promise?
Yes, both imply a failure to uphold a commitment.
How does society view unkept duties?
Negatively, as they reflect a lack of responsibility or professionalism.
Is there a relationship between unkemptness and personal hygiene?
Yes, unkemptness often implies a disregard for personal hygiene standards.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
