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How to pronounce Unkempt

How to Pronounce "Unkempt"

Definition: How to say "Unkempt" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ʌnˈkɛmpt – pronounced as un-kempt

How to say "Unkempt" correctly

Here are some definitions of Unkempt.

  • Not combed or cared for; disheveled.
  • Not neat or tidy; disorderly.
  • Not properly maintained or cared for.
  • Lacking in order or neatness.
  • Messy or untidy in appearance.

Practice using Unkempt in a sentence:

  • The old house had an unkempt garden with overgrown weeds and wild bushes.
  • She appeared at the meeting looking tired and unkempt, with her hair in disarray.
  • The unkempt state of the office reflected the chaos within the company.
  • After a long hike in the woods, their clothes were dirty and unkempt.
  • The abandoned building had broken windows and an unkempt exterior.

Related words to Unkempt:

Attempt, Accept, Unkept, Unkept, Inept, Preempt, Contempt, Exempt, Prompt, Slept,

Synonyms for Unkempt

Untidy, Disheveled, Messy, Sloppy, Shabby, Rumpled, Bedraggled, Disordered, Slapdash, Neglected,

Antonyms for Unkempt

Neat, Tidy, Orderly, Well-groomed, Trim, Kempt, Pristine, Immaculate, Organized, Smart,

Review Unkempt
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Ways you can pronounce English words more accurately

A couple of things to keep in mind that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Unkempt‘:

  • Break ‘Unkempt’ down into each individual vowel, say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
  • Record ‘Unkempt‘ in a full sentence then watch or listen back. You should be able to find all of your flaws quite easily.
  • Find more videos on Youtube on how to pronounce ‘Unkempt‘ accurately.
  • Target one accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could confuse you, especially for beginners. So select just one accent, perhaps English and stick to it.


More ideas to boost your pronunciation skills, we recommend embrace the following methods:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is standard in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For example, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Explore terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more information.

Improving your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in conveying your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can help you in mastering these components to pronounce ‘Unkempt’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another excellent source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can markedly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Unkempt’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Understanding and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate words that are difficult or unfamiliar.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, enhancing your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any silent letters in the word unkempt?

Yes, the word “unkempt” contains a silent letter. The silent letter in “unkempt” is the “k.” This means that when the word is pronounced, the “k” is not sounded out. The word is pronounced as “uhn-empt” with the “k” being silent. Silent letters are common in English words and can make pronunciation a bit tricky for non-native speakers or those learning the language.

How many syllables are in the word unkempt?

The word “unkempt” has two syllables. The first syllable is “un-” and the second syllable is “-kempt.” Syllables are the basic units of pronunciation and are determined by the number of vowel sounds in a word. In this case, “unkempt” is pronounced with two distinct vowel sounds, making it a two-syllable word.

Do you pronounce the M in Unkempt?

The “m” in “unkempt” is not pronounced. The word is broken down into two syllables: “un” and “kempt.” The “m” is silent and does not affect the pronunciation of the word. Therefore, when saying “unkempt” out loud, you would not pronounce the “m” sound.

Is the pronunciation of unkempt different in American English and British English?

Yes, the pronunciation of “unkempt” can vary slightly between American English and British English. In American English, the word is typically pronounced as \ˌən-ˈkempt\ with the stress on the second syllable. On the other hand, in British English, it is commonly pronounced as \ʌnˈkem(p)t\ with the stress on the first syllable. Despite this slight difference in stress, the overall pronunciation and meaning of the word remain the same in both dialects.

What is the full meaning of unkempt?

The full meaning of “unkempt” is twofold. First, it refers to hair that is not combed or groomed, giving the appearance of being messy or disheveled. Second, it describes something that is lacking in order or neatness, generally referring to a person’s appearance or a place that is untidy or disorganized. In essence, unkempt can be used to describe both physical appearance and the state of one’s surroundings, emphasizing a lack of care or attention to detail.

Is the emphasis on the first or second syllable of unkempt?

The emphasis in the word “unkempt” is typically placed on the second syllable. The word is pronounced as un-KEMPT, with the stress falling on the second syllable “kempt.” This is a common pattern in English words where the stress is often placed on the second syllable if the word has two syllables and ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, as is the case with “unkempt.” It is important to note that pronunciation can vary based on regional accents and dialects, but in general, the emphasis on “unkempt” is on the second syllable.

Is it unkempt or unkept?

The difference between “unkempt” and “unkept” lies in their meanings and usage. “Unkempt” is an adjective that describes someone’s appearance as messy or disheveled, often in the context of hair that is not well-groomed. It can also be used to describe objects that are disorderly or untidy. On the other hand, “unkept” is an adjective that means something that has not been kept or maintained, often implying neglect or lack of care. While “unkempt” is typically used to describe a person’s appearance, “unkept” is more commonly used to describe the condition of objects or places.

Does unkempt mean dirty?

While unkempt does not specifically mean dirty, it often implies a lack of cleanliness due to its association with being untidy or neglected. Unkempt typically describes something or someone that appears disheveled, messy, or not well-groomed. This can include aspects such as messy hair, wrinkled clothing, or an overall appearance of neglect. While unkempt does not directly indicate dirtiness, the lack of care and tidiness implied by the term can often lead to the perception of being dirty.

Is the ‘p’ in unkempt pronounced?

Yes, the ‘p’ in unkempt is not pronounced. The word is pronounced as “un-kempt” with the emphasis on the second syllable. The ‘p’ is silent in this word, which means it is not articulated when the word is spoken. Unkempt is used to describe something that is messy, disheveled, or untidy.

Does the pronunciation of unkempt rhyme with ‘attempt’?

No, the pronunciation of “unkempt” does not rhyme with “attempt.” The word “unkempt” is pronounced as “un-kempt,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. It is pronounced as “un-kempt” with a short “u” sound in the first syllable and a soft “e” sound in the second syllable. On the other hand, “attempt” is pronounced as “uh-tempt,” with the emphasis on the second syllable and a short “a” sound in the first syllable. The pronunciation of these two words is different, and they do not rhyme.

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