unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd How to pronounce unsaturated (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Social media has fueled a backlash against seed oils, but mainstream dietary guidance still tends to favor unsaturated fats over saturated ones. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 Dietary guidance generally favors unsaturated fats over saturated ones for heart health, which puts plant oils ahead of animal fats in most clinical recommendations. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026 Foods or dietary supplements rich in unsaturated fats (such as fish and fish oils) are more prone to rancidity. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026 Avocados are rich in vitamins and nutrients, as well as unsaturated fats. Kirstyn Hill, Health, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsaturated

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsaturated was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsaturated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsaturated. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

unsaturated

adjective
un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd How to pronounce unsaturated (audio)
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 How to pronounce unsaturated (audio)
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster