Unsound Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คช
unsound
[สnหsaสnd ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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 โ again, not based on solid reasoning or secure condition. Usually indicates something is dubious or risky.
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| invalid |
Commonly used in contexts where something is not legally or logically acceptable, such as arguments, tickets, or data.
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| flawed |
Applied to something that has defects or imperfections, often used for products, plans, or theories.
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| unreliable |
Refers to someone or something that cannot be depended upon, often describing people, machines, or sources of information.
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Examples of usage
- Their argument was unsound and easily refutable.
- The decision was made on unsound reasoning.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'unsound'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'unsound' originated in the late Middle English period, originally used to describe something that was not physically strong or stable. Over time, it evolved to also describe mental instability or lack of validity in reasoning.
See also: resound, sound, soundless, soundlessly, soundness, soundproofing, sounds, soundstage.