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Synonyms

unsanitary

American  
[uhn-san-i-ter-ee] / ʌnˈsæn ɪˌtɛr i /

adjective

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

    unsanitary living conditions.


unsanitary British  
/ ʌnˈsænɪtərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of unsanitary

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unsanitary toilets were one of the biggest problems at the event, gender equality minister Kim Hyun-sook, the co-head of the organising committee, said when asked about what went wrong.

From Reuters • Aug. 9, 2023

Unsanitary food service, in restaurants or vending carts, poses serious health risks.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2018

Q. Unsanitary Husband: My husband and I are at a divide when it comes to basic hygiene while sick.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2014

Unsanitary conditions would threaten the health of anyone still in the area.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Unsanitary conditions sometimes prevail at factories where the foods are packed.

From School and Home Cooking by Greer, Carlotta Cherryholmes

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