Unhealthy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unhealthy

[สŒnหˆhษ›lฮธi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

eating habits

Not conducive to good health; not healthy. It can refer to food, lifestyle, or environment.

Synonyms

damaging, harmful, unwholesome.

Examples of usage

  • It's important to avoid unhealthy foods high in sugar and saturated fats.
  • She leads an unhealthy lifestyle, with little exercise and a lot of fast food.
Context #2 | Adjective

physical condition

Not in a good physical condition; sickly or weak.

Synonyms

ailing, sickly, weak.

Examples of usage

  • He looks unhealthy and pale; he should see a doctor.
  • The plants in the garden appear unhealthy due to lack of sunlight.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health and Nutrition

  • Eating too much sugar can lead to problems like tooth decay and being overweight.
  • Foods high in fat and low in nutrients can contribute to conditions like heart disease.
  • Not getting enough exercise is also considered unhealthy because it can lead to a weak body and low energy.

Psychological Effects

  • An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to increased anxiety and depression due to imbalance in the body.
  • Negative eating habits can affect mood patterns, making individuals feel less happy over time.
  • Living in an unhealthy environment, such as one filled with pollution, can also impact mental clarity and overall wellbeing.

Historical Context

  • In the early 20th century, many societies experienced a boom in processed foods, leading to a rise in health problems over time.
  • Public health campaigns in the 1960s raised awareness about the dangers of smoking and unhealthy eating habits, reshaping lifestyles.
  • The term 'unhealthy' began to gain more awareness with the establishment of dietary guidelines in the 1980s, promoting better eating habits.

Cultural Perceptions

  • In some cultures, certain foods known to be unhealthy are connected to comfort and tradition, making dietary changes challenging.
  • Social media often influences perceptions of what is healthy or unhealthy, sometimes leading to pressure to conform to trends.
  • Globally, 'unhealthy' foods are often cheap and convenient, making them more accessible but potentially harmful long-term.

Education and Awareness

  • Health education programs in schools aim to teach children about the importance of making healthy choices early in life.
  • Nutrition labels on food products are designed to help consumers make informed choices and understand what is unhealthy.
  • Workshops on cooking healthy meals have become popular as communities recognize the impact of poor eating habits on health.

Origin of 'unhealthy'

The word 'unhealthy' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'healthy', which traces back to the Old English word 'hวฃlรพ', meaning 'wholeness, a being whole, sound or well'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the opposite of being in good health or well-being.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,503, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.