Unwholesomely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unwholesomely

[ʌnˈhoʊlsəmli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

being unhealthy or harmful

In a manner that is detrimental to one's health or well-being. This adverb is commonly used to describe actions or behaviors that are not conducive to good health.

Synonyms

detrimentally, harmfully, unhealthily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unwholesomely	Similar to the first instance, used to describe something that negatively affects health or well-being, often extending to moral or cultural dimensions. The children were exposed to unwholesomely graphic content on the internet He was living unwholesomely, with no regard for his own health
unhealthily	Most often used to describe habits, lifestyles, diets, or environments that are known to be bad for physical health. She eats unhealthily, with too much junk food and not enough vegetables He lives unhealthily, with little exercise and poor sleeping habits
harmfully	Used when describing actions or substances that directly cause damage or negative consequences, often with a focus on physical harm. Smoking cigarettes is harmfully addictive The factory disposed of waste harmfully, endangering local wildlife
detrimentally	Typically describes actions or conditions that cause harm or damage, often used in formal contexts and specific scenarios like environmental, financial, or social harm. The chemical spill impacted the river detrimentally His poor decisions have detrimentally affected the company's performance

Examples of usage

She ate unwholesomely, consuming only junk food and sugary drinks.
He lived unwholesomely, never exercising and smoking heavily.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

lacking in moral or ethical standards

In a manner that is morally or ethically questionable. This adverb is often used to describe actions or behaviors that go against societal norms.

Synonyms

immorally, questionably, unethically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unwholesomely	When something is unhealthy or harmful in a physical or moral sense. The food at that fast food chain is often prepared unwholesomely. The media portrayed the events unwholesomely, causing much distress.
immorally	Describing actions that go against societal moral standards, often implying a strong ethical violation. He acted immorally by cheating on the exam. Their business practices were considered immorally deceptive.
unethically	When someone's behavior or actions do not conform to accepted standards within a professional or personal context. The lawyer acted unethically by revealing confidential information. It is unethically wrong to exploit workers.
questionably	Used when something is doubtful or suspicious, but not necessarily against moral standards. The results of the experiment were obtained questionably and need further verification. He was seen in a questionably familiar manner with the suspect.

Examples of usage

The company conducted its business unwholesomely, engaging in corrupt practices.
She behaved unwholesomely, lying and cheating to get ahead.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

Unwholesome foods, often referred to as junk food, can contribute to various health issues like obesity and heart disease.
Psychologically, exposure to unwholesome content, like violence in media, can affect a person's mental well-being and behavior.
Research shows that the consumption of unwholesome snacks can lead to cravings and unhealthy eating patterns.

Literature

Unwholesome themes often appear in literature as a means to explore the darker sides of humanity, enhancing moral lessons.
Many classic novels depict unwholesome societies or environments, prompting readers to reflect on real-world implications.
Poets have used 'unwholesome' to create stark contrasts with beauty or purity in their works, emphasizing struggles and moral decay.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, food deemed unwholesome is often associated with moral failing or lack of discipline, particularly in relation to diet.
Concepts of unwholesomeness also manifest in discussions surrounding digital content, like the idea of 'toxic' online spaces affecting mental health.
Different societies define unwholesomeness based on their values, such as what is considered acceptable in literature, diet, and media.

Origin of 'unwholesomely'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' means 'not', combined with 'wholesome', which comes from 'whole', indicating something is complete or healthy.
The term has been used since at least the 15th century, reflecting changes in language that categorize the healthiness of food and ideas.
In older texts, 'wholesome' originally related to ideas of health but also encompassed moral integrity, leading to a broader definition of goodness.

The word 'unwholesomely' is derived from the adjective 'unwholesome,' which dates back to the 16th century. The term 'wholesome' originally meant 'healthy' or 'beneficial,' so 'unwholesome' came to signify the opposite - something that is harmful or unhealthy. The adverb form 'unwholesomely' emerged later to describe actions or behaviors that are detrimental to health or morality. Over time, it has been used to emphasize the negative consequences of certain choices or behaviors.