insalubrious

American  

[in-suh-loo-bree-uhs] / ˌɪn səˈlu bri əs /

adjective

1. unfavorable to health; unwholesome.

---

insalubrious British  

/ ˌɪnsəˈluːbrɪtɪ, ˌɪnsəˈluːbrɪəs /

adjective

1. not salubrious; unpleasant, unhealthy, or sordid

---

Other Word Forms

• insalubriously
  adverb
• insalubrity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of insalubrious

1630–40; < Latin insalūbri ( s ) + -ous. See in- ³, salubrious

Explanation

Insalubrious is a formal way to say something is bad for your health. Whether it’s the smog in the city, the atmosphere at your workplace, or a load of coal tar — they all sound insalubrious. The word insalubrious came into English in the 17th century from the Latin word insalubris, a combination of in-, meaning "not," and salubris, meaning "healthful." That makes for a decidedly unhealthy combination, and the word even has a slightly disreputable sound to it, like you’ve been out doing something you shouldn’t be doing. But at the same time it’s slightly formal, in part because it’s somewhat unusual in modern usage. Use it as a fancy way to describe something unhealthy that’s also a little bit common — like Las Vegas or fried chicken.