impure

adjective

im·​pure (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r 

: not pure: such as

a

: containing something unclean : foul

impure water

b

: mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance

an impure chemical

c

: lewd, unchaste

d

: ritually unclean

impurely adverb

impureness noun

Synonyms

• adulterate
• adulterated
• alloyed
• contaminated
• dilute
• diluted
• polluted
• tainted
• thinned
• weakened

Examples of impure in a Sentence

be careful, because impure motor oil can damage your car's engine

Victorian notions of what qualified as impure art now strike us as laughable.

Recent Examples on the Web

The evocation of the boy’s impure actions, as well as the undertow of sexuality in both his parish priest’s solicitude and his father’s violence, caught the attention of the censors, who typically busied themselves outlawing pulp erotica. —Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

Falwell, among other notable preachers, criticized Carter's interview with Playboy as an example of voicing impure thoughts. —Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 29 Dec. 2024

Pop entered a renaissance thanks to smart young women sharing impure thoughts. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024

Wad, perhaps the most abundant, is a dark-brown-to-black, very soft, earthy mineral that is commonly considered an impure hydrous oxide of manganese. —arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin impurus, from in- + purus pure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impure

adjective

im·​pure (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r 

1

: not pure : unclean, dirty

2

: mixed with something else that is usually not as good

an impure chemical

impurely adverb

Medical Definition

impure

adjective

im·​pure (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r 

: not pure: as

a

: containing something unclean

impure water

b

: mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance : adulterated

an impure chemical