uncouth
Uncouth (adjective) means lacking good manners; crude or unrefined in behavior. Example: “His uncouth table manners embarrassed the whole family.”
How to use uncouth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRough around the edges — lacking polish, manners, or refinement.
"Couth" on its own sounds like a joke word today, but uncouth is the standard form still in everyday use.
Word forms
uncouther comparative, more uncouth comparative, uncouthest superlative, most uncouth superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ table manners embarrassed the whole family.
Etymology
From Old English uncūþ, "unknown" — literally un- + couth (once meaning "known" or "familiar"). It shifted from meaning "strange" to meaning "crude," since anything unfamiliar seemed rough or unrefined.
Rhymes for uncouth
Frequently asked questions
What does “uncouth” mean?
The word “uncouth” means lacking good manners; crude or unrefined in behavior. In plain terms, rough around the edges — lacking polish, manners, or refinement.
How do you pronounce “uncouth”?
“Uncouth” is pronounced uhn-KOOTH (/ʌnˈkuːθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “uncouth” in a sentence?
Here is “uncouth” used in a sentence: “His uncouth table manners embarrassed the whole family.”
What part of speech is “uncouth”?
“Uncouth” is an adjective.
Where does the word “uncouth” come from?
The word “uncouth” comes from Old English. From Old English uncūþ, "unknown" — literally un- + couth (once meaning "known" or "familiar"). It shifted from meaning "strange" to meaning "crude," since anything unfamiliar seemed rough or unrefined.
How many meanings does “uncouth” have?
“Uncouth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lacking good manners; crude or unrefined in behavior.