unsanitary

adjective

un·​san·​i·​tary ˌən-ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce unsanitary (audio)
: unclean enough to endanger health : not sanitary
unsanitary conditions
unsanitary habits/practices

Examples of unsanitary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What Causes Cockroaches? A cockroach in the home isn't always a sign of unsanitary conditions. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 Thankfully, her time in those cramped and unsanitary conditions didn't last her entire life. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 Seventy-six percent said there is a negative association that periods are gross and unsanitary, and 65 percent agreed that society teaches people to be ashamed of their periods. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Oct. 2024 When someone refuses an offer of housing or services, there is often a good reason: shelters can be dangerous and unsanitary. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsanitary 

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsanitary was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near unsanitary

Cite this Entry

“Unsanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsanitary. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

unsanitary

adjective
un·​san·​i·​tary -ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce unsanitary (audio)
: not sanitary : insanitary
unsanitary conditions

More from Merriam-Webster on unsanitary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!