What does unwrinkled mean?
Unwrinkled is an adjective meaning free from wrinkles, creases, or rumpled folds. It is especially useful when describing clothing, fabric, bedding, paper, skin, or the appearance of a surface after it has been smoothed. The word commonly carries a positive, practical implication: the material or area looks neat, orderly, and well cared for. In a sentence such as "She smoothed the fabric until it was completely unwrinkled," it describes both the physical condition of the material and the visual effect of the action. Although the related verb unwrinkle is possible, unwrinkled is far more common as a descriptive adjective. It can also indicate that something has already been made smooth, as in "the unwrinkled shirt," rather than describing the act of removing wrinkles. In general English, the term is clear and accessible, with no strong regional restriction between British and American usage.
Free from wrinkles or creases; smooth and unrumpled.
"The bed sheets were warm, white, and unwrinkled."
Common in descriptions of fabric, clothing, paper, skin, and surfaces whose appearance is notably smooth.
To remove wrinkles from something or to become free of wrinkles.
"He carefully unwrinkled the tablecloth before laying it on the table."
The verb form is less common than the adjective and often appears in detailed descriptions of handling or preparing fabric.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unwrinkled come from?
Unwrinkled is an English formation made by combining the prefix un-, meaning the reversal or removal of an action or condition, with wrinkle. The related verb unwrinkle denotes taking away or getting rid of wrinkles, while unwrinkled is its past participle used adjectivally. The underlying word belongs to the familiar English family of wrinkle, wrinkled, wrinkly, and wrinkling.
Related word forms
How unwrinkled is actually used
The adjective is neutral in register and is common in descriptions of clothing, fabric, paper, skin, and other surfaces. The verb is less frequent, especially in formal writing, where describing the result as smooth or wrinkle-free may be more natural.