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

It was famed British actor Laurence Olivier who encouraged Hopkins to pursue mental health therapy and see a psychiatrist. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025

In addition to his treatment, Taylor has been focused on the mental health and community aspect of living with an inoperable tumor. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025

After his release, he was placed on house arrest at an in-patient mental health facility and ordered to wear an ankle monitor. —Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025

Attest data supports concerns around mental health, with a quarter of parents admitting their child struggles often. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 31 Oct. 2025

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