unhealthy
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for unhealthy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Harmful to health, or lacking good health.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use unhealthy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From un- + healthy.
Full origin of unhealthy →Frequently asked questions
What does “unhealthy” mean?
The word “unhealthy” means harmful to health, or lacking good health. In plain terms, bad for the body, or (for behaviour or attitudes) mentally or emotionally harmful.
How do you pronounce “unhealthy”?
“Unhealthy” is pronounced uhn-HEHL-thee (/ʌnˈhɛl.θi/ in IPA).
How do you use “unhealthy” in a sentence?
Here is “unhealthy” used in a sentence: “A diet high in sugar is unhealthy.”
What is another word for “unhealthy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unhealthy” include diseased.
What is the opposite of “unhealthy”?
The opposite of “unhealthy” — its antonyms — is healthy.
What part of speech is “unhealthy”?
“Unhealthy” is an adjective.
Is “unhealthy” a common word?
“Unhealthy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “unhealthy” have?
“Unhealthy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: harmful to health, or lacking good health.
What is the difference between unhealthy and sick?
Unhealthy describes a general condition or quality that is harmful to health or reflects poor health, such as an unhealthy diet or lifestyle. Sick usually refers to a specific, often temporary state of illness. Something can be habitually unhealthy without a person currently being sick.
Can unhealthy describe mental states or relationships?
Yes, unhealthy is commonly used to describe an unstable or disturbed mental or emotional state, or a relationship that causes psychological harm, such as an unhealthy obsession or an unhealthy relationship. This use extends beyond physical health to emotional wellbeing.
What is the difference between unhealthy and toxic?
Unhealthy describes something generally harmful or lacking in wellbeing, while toxic is a stronger term often applied to relationships or environments that are actively poisonous or damaging to a person's mental state. Toxic tends to carry a more severe, negative connotation than unhealthy.