Unkempt refers to an untidy and neglected appearance, characterized by messy hair, uncut nails, and unkempt clothing. In contrast, unkept implies a lack of maintenance but not necessarily a state of disarray. It suggests a general disregard for personal grooming, such as unwashed hair or wrinkled clothes, but the overall presentation may not be as visually unappealing as an unkempt appearance. Both terms indicate a lack of attention to personal hygiene and grooming.
