unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: not saturated: such as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2b

Examples of unsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For heart health, experts generally recommend using oils rich in unsaturated fats for everyday cooking. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 5 July 2026

Cooking Oils Cooking oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive, walnut, and flaxseed oils, are among the pantry items most susceptible to heat damage. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

Avocados Avocados pack a variety of healthy unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated—the same type found in olive oil—with very little saturated fat. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 2026

In contrast, many modern margarines contain more unsaturated fats, which have been associated with improved heart health and healthier cholesterol levels. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unsaturated

• unsaturated fat

Rhymes for unsaturated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated

Kids Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

ˈən-

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by combining chemically with other substances

especially : containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms

an unsaturated fat

Medical Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed -ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2