Unsound: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsound

[ʌnˈsaʊnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mental health

Not sound mentally; deranged or mentally unstable.

Synonyms

deranged, mentally ill, unstable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unsound	Typically used to describe decisions, arguments, or structures that are not based on solid reasoning or are structurally weak. It does not usually refer directly to mental health. His business plan was unsound and led to significant losses. The bridge was closed because it was considered structurally unsound.
deranged	Carries a strong negative connotation and is used to describe someone whose mental state is severely disturbed, often to the point of being dangerous or irrational. The deranged man was shouting nonsense in the street. She looked at him with a deranged glint in her eyes.
unstable	Can be used to describe someone who is emotionally or mentally inconsistent and unreliable. It carries a moderate negative connotation and can also be used for physical descriptions. His emotionally unstable behavior made it difficult to maintain a relationship. The weather has been quite unstable lately, shifting from sunshine to storms in minutes.
mentally ill	A clinical term used to describe someone diagnosed with a mental disorder. It is a neutral term and is often used in medical or formal contexts. He has been diagnosed as mentally ill and is receiving treatment. People who are mentally ill should have access to proper healthcare.

Examples of usage

He was found to be unsound and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
The defendant pleaded unsound mind at the time of the crime.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

argument

Not based on truth or reason; not valid or reliable.

Synonyms

flawed, invalid, unreliable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unsound	Similar to the first description – again, not based on solid reasoning or secure condition. Usually indicates something is dubious or risky. The investment opportunity was unsound; it had too many risks. The health of the building was unsound after the earthquake.
invalid	Commonly used in contexts where something is not legally or logically acceptable, such as arguments, tickets, or data. Your argument is invalid due to the lack of evidence. The password you entered is invalid.
flawed	Applied to something that has defects or imperfections, often used for products, plans, or theories. The vase is beautiful but flawed with a tiny crack. Her plan was clever but deeply flawed in execution.
unreliable	Refers to someone or something that cannot be depended upon, often describing people, machines, or sources of information. He is an unreliable worker; he often misses deadlines. The weather forecast is notoriously unreliable.

Examples of usage

Their argument was unsound and easily refutable.
The decision was made on unsound reasoning.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'un-' indicates a negative or opposite meaning, transforming 'sound' (strong) to 'unsound' (weak or faulty).
The word has roots in Middle English, originating from the Old French term 'son,' meaning healthy or valid.

Psychology

In cognitive behavioral therapy, unsound reasoning might refer to cognitive distortions that lead to poor decision-making.
Unsound thinking often involves logical fallacies, where conclusions are drawn without solid evidence.

Law

In legal terms, an unsound argument can undermine a case, leading to a lack of credibility.
Judges often evaluate the soundness of evidence before making a ruling on its admissibility in court.

Finance

An investment strategy may be considered unsound if it poses excessive risk without proper analysis of potential returns.
Financial institutions are regulated to avoid unsound practices that could lead to economic instability.

Technology

In software development, unsound code might lead to security vulnerabilities, meaning it can be easily exploited.
The term is also used in discussions about algorithms, where unsound methods can produce unreliable results.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsound" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incorreto

🇮🇳 अस्वस्थ

🇩🇪 unsolide

🇮🇩 tidak sehat

🇺🇦 хибний

🇵🇱 niesolidny

🇯🇵 不健全

🇫🇷 insensé

🇪🇸 insensato

🇹🇷 sağlıksız

🇰🇷 건전하지 않은

🇸🇦 غير سليم

🇨🇿 nezdravý

🇸🇰 nezdravý

🇨🇳 不健康

🇸🇮 nezdrav

🇮🇸 óheilbrigður

🇰🇿 денсаулыққа зиянды

🇬🇪 არასწორი

🇦🇿 sağlam olmayan

🇲🇽 insensato

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,610, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12607 homogeneity
12608 silage
12609 seminal
12610 unsound
12611 clinician
12612 reuse
12613 defy
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