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

Avocado oil also complies with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015–2020, and the AHA's recommendation to prioritize unsaturated vs. saturated fats. —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

Go sweet and whimsical with iridescent or glittery finishes to add some interest to unsaturated shades like spearmint, lilac, and baby blue. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024

Move your thumb around to adjust the tone, from bright to dark, and from saturated to unsaturated. —PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024

Palladium is also essential in catalytic converters, as the metal serves as a catalyst in the chemical process of hydrogenation in unsaturated hydrocarbons. —Victor Rosario, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025

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