unhealthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unhealthy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe habits, food, relationships, or anything else that could have a detrimental effect on your physical and/or mental well-being. For example: "Eating processed food can be an unhealthy habit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the same way, silence about male victims reinforces unhealthy expectations about men and their supposed invulnerability.

The New York Times

A negative balance shows an unhealthy business and I could not support a gallery just for a hobby at the age of 26".

The Guardian

A "chips tax" on unhealthy foodstuffs will be extended to alcoholic drinks, while an environmental levy will be extended to shampoo, soap and other products.

The Guardian

Michelin says targeting young people, even those vulnerable to gang influence, is unhealthy for the community.

The Guardian

The Advertising Standards Authority said it had received 216 complaints with the general nature being that the ad is "offensive, irresponsible and harmful because it promotes an unhealthy body image".

The Guardian

But she also believes people need more help to avoid the temptations of unhealthy food that is available everywhere and heavily marketed.

The Guardian

When you are 18 and start to develop an unhealthy obsession with middle-aged canteen ladies, you know there is something wrong somewhere.

The Guardian

Manchester United in particular attract unhealthy levels of hostility, not to say hatred, which mean that any humiliation of Cantona will be greeted with joy elsewhere (if in doubt, read any Leeds fanzine).

The Guardian - Sport

He stopped drinking aged 42 and once called his "unhealthy relationship with mood-altering chemicals, liquids and otherwise" the "central fact" of his life.

The Guardian - Film

He and Goldsworthy crease up as I read out some recent tweets: "Unhealthy obsession with Olly Alexander"; "Olly Alexander is too cute".

The Guardian - Music

I have publicly said that it has proved impossible to make progress to limit promotions on unhealthy foods and that stronger policies are needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "unhealthy" habits, provide specific examples to clarify the impact. Instead of saying "unhealthy lifestyle", specify "unhealthy diet high in processed foods and lack of exercise".

Common error

Avoid using "unhealthy" as a vague descriptor. Be precise about what is unhealthy and why. For example, instead of just stating "this is unhealthy", explain "this food is unhealthy due to its high sugar content and lack of essential nutrients".

Linguistic Context

The word "unhealthy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is detrimental to health or well-being. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts. Examples include "unhealthy surroundings" or "unhealthy food".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Film

3%

Sport

3%

Music

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "unhealthy" functions as an adjective, commonly used to describe something detrimental to physical or mental health. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting its applicability across various contexts, from describing "unhealthy food" to "unhealthy relationships". Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Opinion articles. While generally neutral in register, the specific context can influence its formality. To use it effectively, provide specific examples rather than generalizing. Numerous alternatives exist, such as "detrimental to health" or "harmful for you", allowing for nuanced expression. Top authoritative sources for usage examples include The Guardian, The Economist, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detrimental to health

This alternative directly focuses on the damaging effects on one's well-being.

harmful for you

This phrase expresses a more direct and personal impact of being unhealthy.

not conducive to well-being

This phrase emphasizes the lack of support for a positive state of health.

bad for health

A simpler and more straightforward way to say something is not good for one's health.

deleterious to health

This alternative is more formal and highlights the damaging aspect.

not healthful

This option uses a less common synonym to express a similar idea.

insalubrious

This single word offers a more concise and sophisticated way to describe something unhealthy.

unwholesome

This choice implies a corruption or moral taint in addition to physical detriment.

poor for your body

This alternative is less formal and more conversational.

risky to your well-being

This focuses on the element of risk associated with certain behaviors or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "unhealthy" in a sentence?

You can use "unhealthy" to describe something detrimental to health, such as "Smoking is an "unhealthy" habit", or "An "unhealthy" diet can lead to various health problems".

What are some alternatives to saying "unhealthy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "detrimental to health", "harmful for you", or "not conducive to well-being".

Is it correct to describe a relationship as "unhealthy"?

Yes, "unhealthy" can be used to describe relationships that are damaging or dysfunctional. For example, "They had an "unhealthy" relationship characterized by constant conflict".

What makes food "unhealthy"?

Food can be considered "unhealthy" if it contains high levels of sugar, fat, or processed ingredients and lacks essential nutrients. This can contribute to harmful for you health outcomes.