unhygienic

adjective

un·​hy·​gien·​ic
ˌən-ˌhī-ˈjē-nik, 
-ˈje- How to pronounce unhygienic (audio)
also
-jē-ˈe-nik How to pronounce unhygienic (audio)
Synonyms of unhygienicnext
: not having or showing good hygiene : not hygienic : unsanitary
squalid, unhygienic conditions

Examples of unhygienic in a Sentence

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 team aimed to fashion a rotting meat smell to recreate this slightly unhygienic oral arrangement. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 11 June 2026 Pet Supplies Storing any sort of pet items like food, litter boxes, or toys in your bedroom closet can be unhygienic. — Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025 Unfortunately, curtains can gather a lot of dust, mold, or dirt if not cleaned every so often, and can lead to allergies and an unhygienic home. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025 Even if the previous room occupants have been on the up and up, time and neglect can lead to unhygienic and potentially unsafe situations. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unhygienic

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unhygienic was in 1883

Rhymes for unhygienic

See All Rhymes for unhygienic

Browse Nearby Words

unhydrolyzed
unhygienic
unhymned
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Cite this Entry

“Unhygienic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhygienic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

unhygienic

adjective
un·​hy·​gi·​en·​ic ˌən-ˌhī-jē-ˈen-ik, -ˈjen-, -ˈjēn- How to pronounce unhygienic (audio)
: not healthful or sanitary
unhygienic conditions
unhygienic habits
unhygienically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce unhygienic (audio)
adverb

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