Definition

Adjective 1. Not maintained or cared for; neglected, untidy. * Describes something (like a place, object, or appearance) that is messy, disorderly, or has not been properly looked after. 2. Not fulfilled or honored; broken. * Describes a promise, contract, or agreement that has been violated or disregarded. This meaning is often used in formal or legal contexts.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Neglected, Untidy):
  • The garden was unkept, with weeds growing everywhere.
  • He had an unkept appearance, with wrinkled clothes and messy hair.
• Adjective (Broken, Not Honored):
  • She was hurt by his unkept promises.
  • The lawsuit was about an unkept contract between the two companies.

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to imply a contrast with an expected or required state of order or honor. An unkept room is one that is not clean, and an unkept vow is one that is not honored.
• In its "broken promise" sense, it is frequently paired with words like "promise," "vow," "pledge," "agreement," and "contract."

Variants and Related Words

• Unkempt (adj): This is the more common and preferred spelling, especially for the meaning "neglected or untidy in appearance." () "Unkept" and "unkempt" are often used interchangeably for this meaning, though "unkempt" is standard.
• Keep (v): The root verb, meaning to maintain, retain, or fulfill.
• Well-kept (adj): The direct opposite, meaning maintained in good order or condition.

Synonyms

• For "neglected, untidy": messy, disordered, untidy, slovenly, neglected.
• For "broken, not honored": broken, violated, disregarded, dishonored, unfulfilled.

Antonyms

• For "neglected, untidy": kept, tidy, neat, orderly, well-maintained.
• For "broken, not honored": kept, honored, fulfilled, respected, observed.

Adjective

1. (especially of promises or contracts) having been violated or disregarded
   • broken (or unkept) promises
   • broken contracts