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Definition of uncleanly

uncleanly

/ʌnˈklɛnli/
un · clean · ly
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uncleanly Lexical Profile

uncleanly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Habitually dirty, foul, or unhygienic in habits or appearance.

Example

"The health inspector ordered the restaurant closed due to uncleanly kitchen practices."

2

Morally impure, indecent, or unchaste.

Example

"The treatise warned readers against harbouring uncleanly thoughts and desires."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

In an unclean, dirty, or unhygienic manner.

Example

"The animals were kept uncleanly in cramped, poorly ventilated enclosures."

2

In a messy, imprecise, or clumsy manner; not cleanly or neatly.

Example

"The ragged timber had been sawed uncleanly across the grain."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

When used as an adjective meaning 'habitually dirty or unhygienic' (the opposite of the adjective 'cleanly'), it is traditionally pronounced /ʌnˈklɛnli/; when used as an adverb meaning 'in an unclean manner', it is pronounced /ʌnˈkliːnli/.

• Rhymes for uncleanly

• Nearby Words

unclean
uncleaned
uncleanliness
uncleanly
uncleanness
uncleansed
unclear

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'unclǣnlīc' (adjective) and 'unclǣnlīce' (adverb), formed from the prefix 'un-' (not) + 'clǣne' (clean) + '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uncleanly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uncleanly
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