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

In Los Angeles County, however, residents should avoid the water at certain coastal locations because the bacterial levels reached unhealthful levels when last tested, according to an L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2024

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

From Salon • Feb. 22, 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