How to pronounce unkempt
Say it like uhn-KEMPT. Unkempt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KEMPT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unkempt. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- KEMPT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unkempt pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- KEMPTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of unkempt
American and British speakers say unkempt in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnˈkɛmpt/ in the US and /ˌʌnˈkɛmpt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-KEMPT.
What does unkempt mean?
- uncombed, dishevelled.
- Disorderly; untidy; messy; not kept up.“unkempt bedroom”
- Rough; unpolished.
Where does unkempt come from?
From earlier unkembed, unkemmed, from Middle English unkempt (“uncombed”), equivalent to un- + kempt.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with unkempt
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unkempt.
Questions about saying unkempt
How do you pronounce unkempt?
Say uhn-KEMPT. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnˈkɛmpt/. In British English it is /ˌʌnˈkɛmpt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unkempt?
Unkempt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KEMPT). Broken into parts: uhn · KEMPT.
Do Americans and Brits say unkempt the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnˈkɛmpt/ and the British form is /ˌʌnˈkɛmpt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.