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

Prior to her death, Katherine built a career as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles, focusing on therapy and mental health advocacy after studying psychology at New York University and earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026

Concerns have grown over the potential for AI chatbots to fuel delusions in people, especially those who are already vulnerable to mental health problems. —Laura Jarrett, NBC news, 10 May 2026

But even with the witty, bold analysis of mental health and sexuality that Clive expertly executed in Pure — and another flawless accent, this time Scottish — it wasn’t picked up for a second season. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 10 May 2026

Less than three months after his daughter’s death by suicide, Martin Short is opening up about the toll on his family and the importance of mental health. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 May 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