'unclothed' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'clothed,' which comes from Old English 'clāþian,' meaning 'to clothe or dress.'

'clāþian' transformed into the Middle English word 'clothe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'clothed.' The prefix 'un-' was added to form 'unclothed.'

Initially, it meant 'not dressed,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.