Untidy

/ʌnˈtaɪ.di/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not arranged neatly or in order; messy.
Her desk was untidy, with papers scattered everywhere.
Not clean or well-groomed.
He looked untidy in his wrinkled shirt and uncombed hair.
In a disorganized state; haphazard.
The room was generally untidy, with toys strewn across the floor.

Etymology

The word 'untidy' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'tidy' which comes from Old English 'tidiga', meaning 'to be in order'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

messy hair
Hair that is not styled neatly.
untidy room
A room that is disorganized or messy.
untidy desk
A desk that has clutter and is not kept in order.

Related Words

tidy
To arrange neatly and in order.
disorderly
Not orderly; in a state of confusion or disarray.
mess
A situation or condition that is messy, confusing, or problematic.

Slang Meanings

Scruffy
He showed up to the party looking scruffy and untidy.
All over the place
Her thoughts were all over the place, just like her untidy notes.