unsanitary

[uhn-san-i-ter-ee]

adjective

1. not sanitary; unhealthy or unhealthful; tending to harbor or spread disease.

   unsanitary living conditions.

unsanitary

/ ʌnˈsænɪtərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. not conducive to or promoting health; dirty or unhygienic

Other Word Forms

• unsanitarily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsanitary¹

First recorded in 1870–75; un- ¹ + sanitary

Example Sentences

The punishment cells, or the “Klondike,” are described in a 1924 warden’s report as a row of unsanitary, windowless cells with black painted ceilings and walls, and only an iron toilet and faucet.

Read more on Salon

In June, critics — including some staff who work inside — told The Times that conditions inside the detention center were unsafe and unsanitary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Democrats, however, described the conditions as vile, crowded and unsanitary.

Read more on BBC

The FDA said the shrimp violated federal food safety laws because they were prepared or handled under unsanitary conditions.

Read more on Salon

Though bags of frozen shrimp haven’t tested positive for Cesium-137, officials say the product may have been prepared, packed or held in unsanitary conditions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contaminated www.thesaurus.com
• filthy 
• unhealthy