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Unhygienic: meaning, definitions and examples

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unhygienic

 

[ʌnhaɪˈdʒiːnɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

health conditions

Unhygienic refers to conditions or practices that are not clean or sanitary, leading to the potential spread of diseases. It is often used to describe environments, food handling, or personal habits that lack cleanliness. Such circumstances may pose health risks, as they can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Maintaining a hygienic environment is crucial for public health and safety, as it helps prevent the transmission of infections.

Synonyms

contaminated, dirty, filthy, polluted, unsanitary.

Examples of usage

  • Eating in unhygienic conditions can cause food poisoning.
  • The unhygienic bathroom made guests uncomfortable.
  • Unhygienic practices in healthcare can lead to infections.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unhygienic' comes from 'hygiene,' which itself comes from the Greek word 'hygieinos,' meaning 'healthful.'
  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' so 'unhygienic' literally means 'not healthful.'

Health

  • Poor hygiene can lead to the spread of illnesses, including gastrointestinal diseases and respiratory infections.
  • Hand hygiene is crucial; studies show that proper handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria by up to 80%.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, cleanliness is associated with respect and social status, making unhygienic practices a stigma.
  • Traditional practices around cleanliness can vary, such as the importance of cleansing rituals in various religions before prayers.

Psychology

  • Research shows that environments perceived as dirty can increase anxiety levels and affect overall well-being.
  • People often judge others based on their hygiene habits, influencing social interactions and relationships.

Literature

  • Unhygienic environments are often used in literature to symbolize deterioration or moral decay.
  • In classic novels, such as those from Charles Dickens, unhygienic conditions reflect the struggles of the working class.

Translations

Translations of the word "unhygienic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não higiênico

🇮🇳 अस्वच्छ

🇩🇪 unhygienisch

🇮🇩 tidak higienis

🇺🇦 негігієнічний

🇵🇱 niewłaściwy pod względem higieny

🇯🇵 不衛生な

🇫🇷 non hygiénique

🇪🇸 no higiénico

🇹🇷 hijyenik olmayan

🇰🇷 비위생적인

🇸🇦 غير صحي

🇨🇿 nehygienický

🇸🇰 nehygienický

🇨🇳 不卫生的

🇸🇮 nehigieničen

🇮🇸 óhrein

🇰🇿 гигиеналық емес

🇬🇪 არაჰიგიენური

🇦🇿 higiyenik olmayan

🇲🇽 no higiénico

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,514 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.