Word of the Day: unkempt

unkempt ˌən-ˈkem(p)t adjective

1. not properly maintained or cared for

2. not neatly combed

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The word unkempt has appeared in 26 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Feb. 20 in “Finding Flowers, and Solace, in the Cracks and Grit of an Urban Jungle” by Motoko Rich:

Across the city, there are carefully tended stands of trees along many boulevards and rivers, as well as lovingly cultivated gardens. And while Tokyo is one of the most densely packed cities in the world, flowers are abundant here in everyday places.

It’s in the unassuming flora that I find the most pleasure: the weeds sprouting behind a rusted guard rail, or an unkempt shrub of scarlet berries climbing up a drain pipe on a dilapidated house.

Daily Word Challenge

Can you correctly use the word unkempt in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how unkempt can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.

Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.