unholy

adjective

un·​ho·​ly ˌən-ˈhō-lē 

1

: showing disregard for what is holy : wicked

2

: deserving of censure

an unholy alliance between politicians and lobbyists

3

: very unpleasant : god-awful

an unholy mess

unholiness noun

Examples of unholy in a Sentence

Our finances were an unholy mess.

They have spent an unholy amount of money on the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

The conclusion of a long weekend draws some of our themes together as Fulham take on Chelsea, albeit in a wholly unholy manner. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

The heart-palpitating rhythms and glitchy stutters suggest some unholy mix of early Plastikman and Mark Fell, the vestiges of ’90s dance music reanimated into a herky-jerky Frankenstein’s monster. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026

As Russia and Iran deepen their unholy alliance, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Mideast cannot be viewed as separate and isolated problems. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 30 July 2026

On a stifling summer afternoon, Brian Johnson is pumping his fist and letting loose his unholy yowl. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unholy

• acholi
• emboli
• sertoli
• benzimidazole
• dipyridamole
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• metronidazole
• sulfathiazole
• thiabendazole
• carbazole
• gladioli

Kids Definition

unholy

adjective

un·​ho·​ly ˌən-ˈhō-lē 

ˈən-

: not holy : profane, wicked

unholiness noun