unhealthful

American  

[uhn-helth-fuhl] / ʌnˈhɛlθ fəl /

adjective

1. not conducive to good health; unwholesome.

   unhealthful food.

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Other Word Forms

• unhealthfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of unhealthful

First recorded in 1570–80; un- ¹ + healthful

Example Sentences

One reason we bicycle for a few hours most days is to break from unhealthful routines of mind and body.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

And negative self-talk isn't good for mothers, either; it is associated with lower motivation and unhealthful eating.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2024

After the salt flats became a source of unhealthful dust pollution, the city was ordered to control the problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2024

At 101 and higher, the air becomes unhealthful for children, the elderly, pregnant people and those who are sick.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2023

He seems to be leading an unhealthful life, part of the “young painters’ Bohemia.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman