unsanitary

adjective

un·​san·​i·​tary ˌən-ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce unsanitary (audio)
Synonyms of unsanitarynext
: unclean enough to endanger health : not sanitary
unsanitary conditions
unsanitary habits/practices

Examples of unsanitary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Part of me wants to contact the company and explain how disorganized and unsanitary the event felt. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 This isn't just unsanitary—the buildup of crud could eventually interfere with your mixer's moving parts. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 Embarrassed by his unsanitary faux pas, Todd is left by himself on the couch while the grown-ups decamp to talk political strategy. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 According to investigators, the girl was found with severely matted hair and living in unsanitary conditions. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsanitary

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsanitary was in 1872

Rhymes for unsanitary

See All Rhymes for unsanitary

Browse Nearby Words

unsanguine
unsanitary
unsaponified
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsanitary. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

unsanitary

adjective
un·​san·​i·​tary -ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce unsanitary (audio)
: not sanitary : insanitary
unsanitary conditions

More from Merriam-Webster on unsanitary

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unsanitary

Nglish: Translation of unsanitary for Spanish Speakers

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