Unliveable: meaning, definitions and examples
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unliveable
[ ʌnˈlɪvəbl ]
living conditions
Unliveable describes a condition that is unsuitable for living; it indicates that a space cannot provide adequate shelter, safety, or comfort for life. This term often refers to places that are severely damaged, polluted, or lacking essential resources.
Synonyms
impractical, inhabitable, uninhabitable, unsuitable.
Examples of usage
- The building was deemed unliveable after the earthquake.
- She found his apartment to be unliveable due to the lack of sanitation.
- The flooding rendered many houses unliveable.
- The authorities declared the region unliveable after the toxic spill.
Etymology
The word 'unliveable' is formed by prefixing the word 'liveable' with 'un-', which denotes negation. The roots of these words trace back to the Old English 'libban' meaning 'to live' and the suffix '-able' denoting capability or suitability. 'Liveable' emerged in the 19th century as a term to describe environments or conditions conducive to life. The addition of 'un-' signifies the opposite, thus creating 'unliveable' to describe places or conditions that are intolerable for habitation. This term has become particularly relevant in discussions around housing, environmental conditions, and urban decay in modern contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,548, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.