In daily life, we often need different words to describe something that is not clean. Instead of always using the word dirty, you can use many other synonyms. Learning these words will improve your vocabulary and make your English sound more natural.
What Does Dirty Mean?
The word dirty simply means not clean or covered with dust, marks, or stains. It can be used for clothes, places, hands, streets, and objects.
Example:
→ My shoes are dirty after walking in the park.
Related: Synonyms of Good
Synonyms for Dirty in English
Here is a list of useful synonyms for dirty. These words are simple and can be used in everyday English.
| Synonym | Simple Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unclean | Not clean | His hands are unclean after painting. |
| Messy | Not neat or arranged | The room looks messy after the party. |
| Filthy | Very unclean | The floor was filthy after the rain. |
| Untidy | Not arranged properly | Her desk is untidy with books. |
| Dusty | Covered with dust | The shelf is dusty in the store. |
| Grimy | Covered with dirt or grease | The window is grimy from smoke. |
| Muddy | Covered with wet soil | His shoes are muddy after football. |
| Stained | Marked with spots or colors | My shirt is stained with juice. |
| Greasy | Covered with oil or grease | The kitchen floor is greasy. |
| Soiled | Made dirty by spots | The cloth was soiled after cooking. |
Contexts of Dirty in English
The word dirty and its synonyms can be used in different contexts:
Clothes / Body
→ His shirt is messy.
→ Her hands are unclean.
Rooms / Places
→ The classroom is untidy.
→ The street looks dusty.
Objects / Things
→ The window is grimy.
→ The floor is greasy.
Synonyms List for Dirty
Here is a short list for fast learning:
- Unclean
- Messy
- Filthy
- Untidy
- Dusty
- Grimy
- Muddy
- Stained
- Greasy
- Soiled
Formal Words for Dirty
Unhygienic → Not clean and unhealthy.
Example: The restaurant was closed because it was unhygienic.
Contaminated → Made dirty or unsafe (often used for water, food, air).
Example: The river was contaminated by chemicals.
Polluted → Made dirty, especially the environment.
Example: The city air is polluted.
Informal Words for Dirty
Unhygienic → Not clean and unhealthy.
Example: The restaurant was closed because it was unhygienic.
Contaminated → Made dirty or unsafe (often used for water, food, air).
Example: The river was contaminated by chemicals.
Polluted → Made dirty, especially the environment.
Example: The city air is polluted.
Using synonyms for dirty will make your English more clear, rich, and expressive. Try to use these words in your daily sentences to remember them better.
FAQs
What is the simple meaning of dirty?
Dirty means not clean or covered with dust, marks, or stains.
What are the common synonyms for dirty?
Some common synonyms are unclean, messy, filthy, untidy, dusty, grimy, muddy, stained, greasy, and soiled.
Which synonym of dirty is used for clothes?
For clothes, you can use stained, soiled, or messy.
Which synonym of dirty is used for rooms or houses?
For rooms or houses, you can use untidy, messy, dusty, or filthy.
Which synonym of dirty is used for hands?
For hands, the best synonyms are unclean, grimy, or muddy.
Is filthy stronger than dirty?
Yes, filthy means very dirty or extremely unclean.
What is the opposite of dirty?
The opposite of dirty is clean, neat, or tidy.
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