mental health

noun

1

: the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life

also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state

2

: health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness

—often used before another noun

mental health professionals

a mental health clinic

Examples of mental health in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In January, Clancy and her husband filed separate lawsuits against the medical providers who oversaw Lindsay’s mental health treatment in the months leading up to the killings. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

The charges were later upgraded to murder, and a judge ordered a mental health evaluation. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

Formerly incarcerated people with disabilities, chronic mental health or substance abuse issues and those who are older tend to be at higher risk for post-incarceration homelessness, Western said. — Amber Gaudet july 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Jim Parsons, who rose to fame on The Big Bang Theory and is currently appearing on Broadway in Titanique, is opening up about his mental health during the height of his sitcom fame and success. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mental health

• commonwealth
• telehealth
• bridewealth
• stealth
• wealth

Medical Definition

mental health

noun

1

: the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, having positive feelings about others, and being able to meet the demands of daily life

also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state

Finding the flexibility and balance that is required for good mental health is a challenge we all face.

—Christy Turlington, Psychology Today

2

: health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness : mental hygiene

—often used before another noun

mental health professionals

a mental health clinic