unwholesome

[ uhn-hohl-suhm ]

adjective

1. not wholesome; unhealthful; deleterious to health or physical or moral well-being:

   unwholesome food; unwholesome activities.

   Synonyms: pernicious, noxious, insalubrious

2. not sound in health; unhealthy, especially in appearance; suggestive of disease:

   an unwholesome pallor.

unwholesome

/ ʌnˈhəʊlsəm /

adjective

1. detrimental to physical or mental health

   an unwholesome climate

2. morally harmful or depraved

   unwholesome practices

3. indicative of illness, esp in appearance
4. (esp of food) of inferior quality

Derived Forms

• unˈwholesomely, adverb
• unˈwholesomeness, noun

Other Words From

• un·wholesome·ly adverb
• un·wholesome·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwholesome¹

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; un- ¹, wholesome

Example Sentences

“Show me these unwholesome treats he hides in his bed, Nanny Pratt,” she said grandly.

From Literature

"A side that makes the movie feel creepy and subtly unwholesome."

From Salon

In unguarded moments over a 33-month tenure, he suggested that liberals were un-American and that the popular Beach Boys rock band was unwholesome.

From New York Times

They became so close that Juliet’s parents viewed the companionship as bordering on “unwholesome.”

From Washington Post

A few times he's interacted online with fans besotted with Joe's unwholesome romantic front by reminding them that they're 'shipping a psychopath.

From Salon