Langimage
English

unhealthy

|un/health/y|

B2

/ʌnˈhɛlθi/

not healthy

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unhealthy' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'healthy', which comes from Old English 'hǣlþ', meaning 'wholeness, a being whole, sound or well'.

Historical Evolution

'unhealthy' changed from the Old English word 'unhǣlþ' and eventually became the modern English word 'unhealthy'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not whole or sound', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not in good health'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not in a state of good health; physically or mentally unwell.

Eating too much junk food can make you unhealthy.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

harmful to health; likely to cause illness or poor health.

The air quality in the city is unhealthy due to pollution.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35