unhealthful

adjective

un·​health·​ful ˌən-ˈhelth-fəl How to pronounce unhealthful (audio)
also -ˈheltth-
Synonyms of unhealthfulnext
: harmful to health of body or mind : unhealthy sense 1
unhealthful levels of water pollution
an unhealthful diet
an unhealthful tendency to worry

Synonyms of unhealthful

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Examples of unhealthful in a Sentence

the unhealthful level of smog in the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The soil may contain pathogens, pesticides and other unhealthful things. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026 The unhealthful effects of autocracy remain robust even when accounting for economic differences and when excluding Venezuela and its collapsing health-care system. — Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2020 From downtown Los Angeles to the San Gabriel Valley, tens of thousands were enveloped in unhealthful levels of smoke, even as some local officials told residents that the air posed no danger. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unhealthful

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unhealthful was in 1580

Rhymes for unhealthful

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Browse Nearby Words

unhealth
unhealthful
unhealthfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Unhealthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhealthful. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unhealthful

adjective
un·​health·​ful
ˌən-ˈhelth-fəl
: unhealthy sense 1

Medical Definition

unhealthful

adjective
un·​health·​ful -ˈhelth-fəl How to pronounce unhealthful (audio)
: detrimental to good health
unhealthful working conditions
unhealthfulness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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