unsound mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsound mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a person 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 culpability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

You'd tell me that I was of unsound mind.

The New York Times

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

The state Japan Broadcasting Corporation devoted a one-hour news analysis program to the crash Friday evening that implied that the pilot was temporarily of unsound mind.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

in-sānus, a, um, adj., unsound in mind.

Harvard University

Well, "Child of God" was adapted from Cormac McCarthy; Scott Haze plays Lester Ballard, a lonely woodsman, unsound of mind but good with a gun, who is discarded by polite society.

The New Yorker

"The police had even brought a psychiatrist to her home at midnight to try to get her sectioned, or in other words deemed unsound of mind, but they failed," Nitschke said.

The Guardian

It had since become a popular pilgrimage site, as well as a place where the sick, the lame, and the unsound of mind were taken with the hope that they would be healed by the holy water that flowed from the spring.

The New Yorker

(It's an interesting theory, given the damage and distress that is currently being caused, in Europe, America, and elsewhere, by individuals who, far from being preternaturally gifted, are easily gulled, unsound of mind, and short on social skills. But this is a movie based on DC comics, and is therefore unlikely to brush more than glancingly against the world we know).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sensitive contexts, consider using person-first language (e.g., "a person with an unsound mind") to avoid stigmatizing individuals.

Common error

While "unsound mind" is acceptable, avoid using it loosely in clinical settings. Instead, opt for specific diagnostic terms to ensure clarity and accuracy in medical communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsound mind" functions primarily as a descriptor, typically used to characterize an individual's mental state, particularly in legal or formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a lack of mental stability or rational decision-making ability. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this usage across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

19%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsound mind" is a descriptor used to denote a diminished or compromised mental state, often in legal or formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and indicates a lack of mental stability or rational decision-making ability. While predominantly found in news, media, and encyclopedic sources, its register leans towards neutral to formal, making it less suitable for casual conversation. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and potential for stigma. In clinical contexts, be specific with diagnostics. When referring to legal situations, "unsound mind" keeps a formal tone and is often preferred in documentation. If you are looking for alternatives, consider options like "mentally incompetent" or "mentally incapacitated".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally incompetent

This phrase is a formal, legal term indicating a lack of capacity to manage one's affairs.

mentally incapacitated

Similar to "mentally incompetent", this term suggests a formal declaration of inability to function mentally.

of deranged mind

This alternative emphasizes the state of being mentally disturbed or disordered.

lacking mental capacity

This phrase directly addresses the absence of the necessary cognitive abilities.

not of sound mind

This is a more direct and commonly understood antonym, highlighting the absence of mental soundness.

mentally unstable

This term focuses on the fluctuating or unpredictable nature of one's mental state.

mentally disturbed

This phrase indicates a disruption in mental or emotional equilibrium.

having a disordered mind

This describes a mind that is not functioning in a normal or organized way.

suffering from a mental disorder

This phrase highlights the presence of a diagnosable mental health condition.

afflicted with mental illness

This emphasizes the presence of a persistent and potentially debilitating mental health condition.

FAQs

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

In law, "unsound mind" often refers to a person's inability to understand the nature and consequences of their actions, impacting their legal capacity and culpability. For alternatives, consider "mentally incompetent" or "lacking mental capacity".

What are some less formal alternatives to "unsound mind"?

In less formal contexts, consider phrases like "mentally unstable" or "mentally disturbed" to describe someone experiencing mental health difficulties.

Is it appropriate to use "unsound mind" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "unsound mind" carries a formal and potentially stigmatizing tone. It's generally better to use more sensitive and descriptive language when discussing mental health in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "unsound mind" and "mental illness"?

"Unsound mind" is a broader term indicating a lack of mental stability or capacity, whereas "mental illness" refers to a diagnosed psychiatric condition. While someone with a mental illness might be considered to have an "unsound mind" at times, the terms are not interchangeable.