unsaturated

American  

[uhn-sach-uh-rey-tid] / ʌnˈsætʃ əˌreɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. not saturated; having the power to dissolve still more of a substance.

2. Chemistry. (of an organic compound) having a double or triple bond and capable of taking on elements or groups by direct chemical combination without the liberation of other elements or compounds, as ethylene, CH 2 =CH 2 ; undersaturated.

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unsaturated British  

/ ʌnˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. not saturated

2. (of a chemical compound, esp an organic compound) containing one or more double or triple bonds and thus capable of undergoing addition reactions

3. (of a fat, esp a vegetable fat) containing a high proportion of fatty acids having double bonds

4. (of a solution) containing less solute than a saturated solution

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unsaturated Scientific  

/ ŭn-săch′ə-rā′tĭd /

1. Relating to an organic compound in which two or more of the carbon atoms are joined by a double or triple bond and therefore can be combined with additional atoms or radicals. Benzene and acetylene are examples of unsaturated compounds.

2. Compare saturated See also monounsaturated polyunsaturated

3. Relating to a solution that is capable of dissolving more solute than it already contains.

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Other Word Forms

• unsaturate noun
• unsaturation noun

Etymology

Origin of unsaturated

First recorded in 1750–60; un- ¹ + saturated

Example Sentences

In contrast to Kennedy’s declaration in January that the U.S. was “ending the war on saturated fat,” the heart association continues to recommend unsaturated fat sources over saturated ones for the sake of cardiovascular health.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Seed oils contain mostly unsaturated fat, the “good” kind of fat.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2025

One simple strategy is focusing on the four F's of food: fiber, phytochemicals, unsaturated fats and fermented foods.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2024

The reason: these layers have unsaturated chemical bonds on their surface and therefore a strong tendency to bind with other substances.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2024

The aromatic cyclic and unsaturated hydrocarbons of the vehicle may themselves be a major factor in the damage done the blood-forming organs.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson