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Definition of unwholesome

unwholesome

/ʌnˈhoʊlsəm/
un · whole · some
Adverb:unwholesomely
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unwholesome Lexical Profile

unwholesome Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Detrimental or harmful to physical health and well-being.

Example

"The damp, poorly ventilated basement created an unwholesome environment for the workers."

2

Morally corrupting, degraded, or improper in character or influence.

Example

"Parents expressed concern about the unwholesome influence of certain online forums on young teenagers."

3

Having a sickly, pale, or unpleasant physical appearance suggestive of poor health or decay.

Example

"After weeks of illness and confinement indoors, his complexion had taken on an unwholesome pallor."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unwholesome

• Nearby Words

unwell
unwellness
unwhipped
unwholesome
unwholesomeness
unwieldily
unwieldiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Recorded since Middle English as 'unholsom', formed by adding the negative prefix 'un-' to 'wholesome', which derives from the Old English root 'hal' meaning 'healthy' or 'whole'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unwholesome. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unwholesome
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