unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: not saturated: such as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2b

Examples of unsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avocados provide unsaturated fats and fiber, while whole-grain bread adds even more fiber. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 23 June 2026

Cooking Oils Cooking oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive, walnut, and flaxseed oils, are among the pantry items most susceptible to heat damage. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

Both butter and margarine have a combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. — Rosemary Trout, Scientific American, 27 June 2026

Both butter and margarine have a combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. — Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unsaturated

• unsaturated fat

Rhymes for unsaturated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated

Kids Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

ˈən-

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by combining chemically with other substances

especially : containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms

an unsaturated fat

Medical Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed -ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2