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

Woods said his priorities are government transparency and efficiency; public safety and mental health infrastructure; and economic stability and cost of living. —Rachel Royster updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

Morales is campaigning on expanding access to health care and mental health services, addressing displacement, promoting infrastructure and transit equity, and increasing budget accountability, according to his campaign website. —Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026

Over the years, Darron Edwards’ south Kansas City congregation has made sure students have clean clothes and school supplies, distributed food to stave off hunger among those in need and provided mental health resources to churchgoers. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026

In addition to battling substance abuse since his teenage years, Nick, who was staying in his parents’ guest house at the time of the killings, was in a mental health conservatorship from 2020 to 2021. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 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