Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
how unsanitary
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "how unsanitary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express shock or disapproval regarding the cleanliness or hygiene of a situation or environment. Example: "I was appalled to see how unsanitary the kitchen was during the inspection."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Academia
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
How unsanitary!
News & Media
He notes how Richard M. Nixon and Lady Bird Johnson grew up in grocers' families; he observes the introduction of S&H green stamps; he explains how unsanitary and unscrupulous many early food purveyors could be.
News & Media
I am sorry, it is a dirty tactic (no pun intended) but 18-year-olds need know how unsanitary it is to go for months without washing their linens.
News & Media
Similarly, another famous medical caregiver and statistician, Florence Nightingale, also used charts in 1858 to raise awareness of how unsanitary conditions were killing injured British soldiers during the Crimean War.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
And how these unsanitary conditions exposed everyone in the community to illness.
Formal & Business
It's not clear if the woman in the video was ultimately forced to comply with the DIY port-a-potty situation, but she later told KPNX how disgusting and unsanitary the issue became for everyone onboard.
News & Media
It pains me to think how uncomfortable not to mention unsanitary these first shoes must have been.
News & Media
In "Empire of Water," David Soll describes how the city transformed its notoriously unsanitary water system in the early 20th century by buying up watersheds in the Catskill Mountains and building a large network of reservoirs, pipes, tanks, sampling stations and other devices that delivers a billion gallons a day of excellent water into the city's homes and businesses.
News & Media
The experts cite many factors for the emergence -- and re-emergence -- of deadly germs, including increased international travel and shipment of food; population growth that has put people together in unsanitary conditions, and changes in how food is grown and handled.
News & Media
Ferrets need good ventilation; never house ferrets in aquariums, no matter how big the aquarium is, they are unsanitary and can lead to serious health problems.
Wiki
And how do poor working conditions discriminatory labor practices, exploitation, and unsanitary kitchens affect the meals that arrive at our restaurant tables?
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a specific situation, provide concrete details to illustrate "how unsanitary" it is. For example, instead of just saying "the restaurant was how unsanitary", specify "the restaurant was how unsanitary, with grime visible on the countertops and food debris on the floor."
Common error
Avoid using "how unsanitary" as a standalone statement without providing specific examples or context. It's more effective to describe the specific conditions that make something unsanitary, rather than simply stating it.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "how unsanitary" functions as an exclamatory expression used to emphasize the degree of uncleanliness or lack of hygiene. It is typically employed to convey a sense of shock, disgust, or disapproval.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
16%
Academia
16%
Less common in
Wiki
8%
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "how unsanitary" is an exclamatory phrase used to express strong disapproval of uncleanliness. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "how unhygienic" or "how filthy" can be used for similar effect. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details to support your assessment of the situation. It also avoid stating the obvious without context. Overall, it's a clear and direct way to express displeasure with a lack of sanitation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
how unhygienic
Replaces "unsanitary" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.
how insanitary
A less common but still valid synonym for "unsanitary".
how filthy
Focuses on the presence of dirt and grime.
how unclean
A more general term for a lack of cleanliness.
to what extent it is unsanitary
Adds a degree of formality and emphasizes the degree of unsanitariness.
how contaminated
Emphasizes the presence of harmful substances.
how unsterile
Specifically refers to a lack of sterility, often in medical contexts.
how polluted
Highlights the presence of pollutants, often in a broader environmental context.
how septic
Focuses on the presence of infection and decay.
how squalid
Emphasizes the neglected and wretched condition.
FAQs
What does "how unsanitary" mean?
"How unsanitary" expresses a degree of shock or disapproval about the lack of cleanliness or hygienic conditions.
How can I use "how unsanitary" in a sentence?
You can use it to express your opinion about how dirty or unhygienic something is. For example, "I couldn't believe how unsanitary the bathroom was."
What are some alternatives to "how unsanitary"?
Alternatives include phrases like "how unhygienic", "how filthy", or "how unclean".
In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "how unsanitary"?
It's appropriate to use "how unsanitary" in situations where you want to express your disapproval or shock about the lack of cleanliness, whether in a personal, professional, or public setting.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested