Unlivable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unlivable

 

[ ʌnˈlɪvəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

living conditions

The term 'unlivable' describes a situation or environment that is not suitable or safe for living. This can refer to a place that lacks basic amenities such as water, shelter, and sanitation. It may also pertain to areas that are deemed hazardous due to violence, pollution, or natural disasters. In general, if a place is considered unlivable, it is usually advised that individuals seek alternative habitation.

Synonyms

inhabitable, uninhabitable, unsafe, unsuitable

Examples of usage

  • The building was declared unlivable after the fire.
  • Many families were displaced from their unlivable homes.
  • Due to severe flooding, the area became unlivable for residents.
  • The toxic waste made the area unlivable.

Translations

Translations of the word "unlivable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inabitável

🇮🇳 असंभव रहने योग्य

🇩🇪 unbewohnbar

🇮🇩 tidak layak huni

🇺🇦 нездатний до проживання

🇵🇱 niezamieszkalny

🇯🇵 住めない

🇫🇷 inhabitable

🇪🇸 inhabitable

🇹🇷 yaşanamaz

🇰🇷 거주할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير صالح للسكن

🇨🇿 neobyvatelný

🇸🇰 neobyvateľný

🇨🇳 无法居住的

🇸🇮 neprimeren za bivanje

🇮🇸 óbyggilegur

🇰🇿 тұруға болмайтын

🇬🇪 არასაკმარისი საცხოვრებლად

🇦🇿 yaşamaq üçün yararsız

🇲🇽 inhabitable

Etymology

The word 'unlivable' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the adjective 'livable', which originates from the verb 'live'. The term 'live' comes from the Old English 'libban', which means 'to be alive, to live'. The addition of the suffix '-able' indicates suitability or capability, forming 'livable' as something that can be lived in. The transformation to 'unlivable' reflects a change to its opposite meaning, indicating that a location is not suitable for living. It began to gain traction in the late 20th century as urban development issues, environmental concerns, and social contexts increasingly highlighted the condition of places where people might reside.