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Synonyms

unhealthy

American  
[uhn-hel-thee] / ʌnˈhɛl θi /

adjective

unhealthier, unhealthiest
  1. not in a state of good or normal health; in an unsound, weak, or morbid condition.

    Synonyms:
    sickly
  2. symptomatic of or resulting from bad health.

    an unhealthy pallor.

  3. not conducive to good health; unhealthful.

    Night air was formerly considered unhealthy.

    Synonyms:
    deleterious, unhygienic
  4. morally bad, harmful, or contaminating.

    unhealthy examples for the young.

  5. dangerous; risky.

    Asking questions in this neighborhood can be unhealthy.


unhealthy British  
/ ʌnˈhɛlθɪ /

adjective

  1. characterized by ill-health; sick; unwell

  2. characteristic of, conducive to, or resulting from ill-health

    an unhealthy complexion

    an unhealthy atmosphere

  3. morbid or unwholesome

  4. informal dangerous; risky

"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

  • unhealthily adverb
  • unhealthiness noun

Etymology

Origin of unhealthy

First recorded in 1585–95; un- 1 + healthy

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.

He is worried that without additional support for people making the transition, society's unhealthy relationship with food means little will change.

From BBC

Worries still abound that deposit-holding institutions will take unhealthy risks if left unchecked.

From Barron's

Pupils will be taught about issues such as consent, the dangers of sharing intimate images, how to identify positive role models and to challenge unhealthy myths about women and relationships.

From BBC

Younger adults are increasingly affected, with unhealthy lifestyle patterns playing a major role.

From Science Daily

We found ourselves talking to our daughters about handling such interactions with self-respect, dignity and empathy—and avoiding their unhealthy opposites.

From The Wall Street Journal