of unsound mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of unsound mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to describe someone who is not mentally stable or capable of making rational decisions. Example: "The court ruled that the defendant was of unsound mind at the time of the incident, which affected their ability to stand trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In 1963, a doctor had found him to be of unsound mind.

The New York Times

Riel, with several associates, was tried and, despite evidence that he was of unsound mind, convicted of treason, though with a recommendation for mercy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He terrifies most in the abstract; the more that is discovered, the easier it becomes to treat him as simply another depraved individual, of unsound mind and morals.

Independent

"Depression can be a serious mental illness and of course it can lead to a person being of unsound mind," he said.

The Guardian

According to Par. 729, of "Postal Laws and Regulations" only the sender can apply for the recovery of mail, or, in the case of minors or people of unsound mind, the legal guardian.

The New Yorker

Certainly, when Junon learns that her sole hope of a cure is a bone-marrow transplant, it feels horribly fitting that the only compatible donors should be Paul and Henri, both of unsound mind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The WA state-wide electoral roll data is a single dataset that contains the complete set of 1988 WA state electoral roll registrations and all quarterly updates of changes of enrolment status since then, e.g. new enrolments as well as removals from the roll due to unsound mind, moved out of state or death.

BMC Psychiatry

There is Alan's marriage, which is seizing up; there is his professional flirtation with Angela (he wants therapy but daren't ask for it); and there is the other sort of flirting, not so much professional as pornographic, which is launched in his direction by Donna Remar (Saffron Burrows), a dental patient of surpassing beauty and unsound mind.

The New Yorker

Doesn't opting to be homeless indicate an unsound mind?

The New York Times

We've all heard of the German chap who found his willing main course on the web, convicted first of manslaughter because of the consent of his victim, then murder at a retrial where it was argued that consent to such an act indicated an unsound mind, hence... valid consent could not be given.

The Guardian - Opinion

This power has been left to the courts, which can deny a person found to have unsound mind from participating in an election.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of unsound mind" in legal or formal contexts, ensure you have a reliable basis for the claim, such as a professional medical evaluation. Overuse can stigmatize individuals with mental health conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "of unsound mind" casually. This phrase has specific legal meanings and should not be used without understanding its implications in legal and medical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of unsound mind" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically a person, to indicate a lack of mental capacity or stability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of unsound mind" is an adjective phrase used to describe someone lacking mental capacity. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in formal English, predominantly in legal, journalistic, and medical contexts. While there are alternatives like "mentally incompetent" and "not of sound mind", it's crucial to understand its specific legal implications and to avoid casual or stigmatizing usage. Its high frequency in news media and legal documents reflects its importance in describing mental states relevant to legal and medical assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not of sound mind

A direct synonym, using a slightly different word order for emphasis.

non compos mentis

A Latin term with the same meaning, often used in legal contexts.

mentally incompetent

Focuses specifically on a legal determination of lacking the capacity to make decisions.

mentally incapacitated

Highlights the inability to function normally due to a mental condition.

lacking mental capacity

Emphasizes the absence of the required mental ability.

of diminished capacity

Implies a reduced ability to understand or make rational decisions.

mentally disordered

A broader term that includes various types of mental health conditions.

mentally unstable

Suggests a lack of emotional and psychological equilibrium.

suffering from a mental illness

Highlights the presence of a diagnosed mental health condition.

not in one's right mind

An idiomatic expression indicating a temporary state of irrationality.

FAQs

How is "of unsound mind" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "of unsound mind" is used to describe an individual who lacks the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions, affecting their ability to stand trial or manage their affairs.

What are some alternatives to "of unsound mind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mentally incompetent", "mentally incapacitated", or "not of sound mind".

Which is correct, "of unsound mind" or "not of unsound mind"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. However, "of unsound mind" is more common, especially in legal and formal contexts. "Not of sound mind" is a valid alternative.

What's the difference between "of unsound mind" and "suffering from a mental illness"?

"Of unsound mind" is a legal term that describes a specific lack of mental capacity, while "suffering from a mental illness" is a broader term that indicates the presence of a diagnosed mental health condition. The former has specific legal and functional implications.