uncleanness
Noun 1. The state or condition of being dirty, soiled, or impure. This refers to a lack of cleanliness, often involving physical dirt, grime, or contamination. 2. The state of being morally impure or defiled. This is a figurative or religious usage, referring to a condition of spiritual or ethical impurity.
Uncleanness is a formal noun used to describe a condition. It is often used in contexts discussing hygiene, sanitation, public health, or religious/moral purity. It is more abstract than words like "dirt" or "filth," which refer to the substance itself.
- The health inspector cited the restaurant for the uncleanness of its kitchen.
- In some religious traditions, certain actions are believed to cause ritual uncleanness.
- The uncleanness of the river was evident from the pollution on its surface.
- He was troubled by a feeling of moral uncleanness after the deceitful act.
- "Ceremonial uncleanness": A specific religious or ritual state of impurity that prevents participation in sacred rites until purification is achieved.
- According to ancient law, contact with a corpse resulted in ceremonial uncleanness.
- Unclean (adj): Not clean; dirty or morally impure.
- The dishes were left unclean in the sink.
- Cleanliness (n): The opposite state; the habit or condition of being clean.
- Impurity (n): The quality or condition of being impure, often used interchangeably with , especially in non-physical contexts.
- Dirtiness: The state of being physically dirty.
- Filthiness: The state of being disgustingly dirty.
- Impurity: The condition of being mixed with inferior matter or being morally corrupt.
- Contamination: The presence of an unwanted, polluting substance.
- Cleanliness
- Purity
- Spotlessness
Uncleanness is less common in everyday speech than "dirtiness" or "filth." It frequently appears in formal, legal, literary, or religious texts to emphasize a state of being rather than a specific instance of dirt.
- the state of being unsanitary