unsanitary

[ uhn-san-i-ter-ee ]

adjective

1. not sanitary; unhealthy or unhealthful; tending to harbor or spread disease:

   unsanitary living conditions.

unsanitary

/ ʌnˈsænɪtərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. not conducive to or promoting health; dirty or unhygienic

Other Words From

• un·sani·tari·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsanitary¹

First recorded in 1870–75; un- ¹ + sanitary

Example Sentences

Similarly, park-goers have trampled sensitive vegetation in the Merced River, while trashing the area and leaving “unsanitary conditions” due to a lack of restrooms, park officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

Many have ended up in unsafe and unsanitary conditions in shelters in and around the capital, where schools and shops have been closed to house people.

From BBC

Both described poor living conditions in which prisoners were crammed into small, unsanitary and cold cells, with limited access to a shower and toilet, which often led to people falling ill.

From BBC

Lee also alleged that several restaurants, which he left unnamed, followed unsanitary practices and risked cross-contamination with shellfish, to which Lee said he’s allergic.

From Salon

“Inmates are literally abandoned to their fate, exposed to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions that foster contamination and the spread of disease,” he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• contaminated
• filthy
• unhealthy