Undrinkable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🚱
undrinkable
[ʌnˈdrɪŋkəbl ]
Definition
water quality
Undrinkable refers to a substance, typically water, that is not safe or suitable for consumption. It may contain harmful contaminants, pollutants or chemicals that can pose health risks. This term is often used in discussions about water quality and access to safe drinking water.
Synonyms
contaminated, impure, polluted, unfit, unsafe.
Examples of usage
- The river water was deemed undrinkable due to high levels of pollution.
- After the chemical spill, the local authorities declared the drinking supply undrinkable.
- Many communities face challenges with undrinkable water sources.
- During the drought, some wells became undrinkable as the water level dropped.
- Tests revealed that the well water was undrinkable and contaminated.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Environmental Science
- Polluted water sources can become undrinkable due to industrial waste, sewage spills, or agricultural runoff.
- In many places, access to clean drinking water is a pressing global issue, leading to millions not having safe drinking options.
Health and Safety
- Consuming undrinkable liquids can lead to serious health problems, including infections or toxic reactions.
- Public health campaigns often aim to ensure that water sources are tested and managed to prevent undrinkable conditions.
Literature
- In many dystopian novels, characters face dire situations where water becomes scarce and undrinkable, symbolizing struggles for survival.
- Poetic works might describe undrinkable substances as metaphors for unfulfilled desires or unattainable dreams.
Origin of 'undrinkable'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' and 'drinkable' comes from the verb 'drink' plus '-able,' which means 'capable of.'
- The concept of 'undrinkable' has been around since ancient times, often used to describe contaminated water sources.
The word 'undrinkable' is formed by the prefix 'un-', which means 'not', and the root word 'drinkable', derived from 'drink'. The term drinkable itself comes from 'drink', tracing back to Old English 'drincan', meaning 'to take in liquid'. Over time, 'drinkable' evolved to describe liquids that are safe for consumption. The combination with 'un-' creates a straightforward way to indicate that something does not meet the safety standards for drinking. This usage reflects growing concerns for water safety and quality, especially in the context of environmental issues and public health.