English vocabulary · C2
Disheveled
/dɪˈʃevld/ · adj.
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A disheveled person has very messy hair or clothes that are not neat. They look as if they had no time at all to get ready.
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Example sentences
- He flew home disheveled.
- Her disheveled hair hid her eyes.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- deschevele — hair undone (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- UNKEMPT — not neat or clean (Not cared for)
- RUMPLED — creased and not smooth (Clothes are creased)
- TOUSLED — messy and not combed (Hair is in disorder)
Similar words
- unkempt
- rumpled
- tousled
- untidy
- messy
Lesson notes
A disheveled person has very messy hair or clothes that are not neat. They look as if they had no time at all to get ready.
Related: unkempt, rumpled, tousled. Use disheveled when hair looks wild.
He flew home disheveled. Her disheveled hair hid her eyes.
From Old French. Desh-eh-vel-ay- means hair undone. Hair undone after a long night leaves you disheveled.