unsound

adjective

un·​sound ˌən-ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce unsound (audio)
: not sound: such as
a
: not healthy or whole
an unsound horse
b
: not mentally normal : not wholly sane
of unsound mind
c
: not firmly made, placed, or fixed
structurally unsound
d
: not valid or true : invalid, specious
unsound beliefs
unsoundly adverb

Examples of unsound in a Sentence

The roof is structurally unsound. disgruntled relatives tried to prove that the woman was of unsound mind when she made her will
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.
But on closer look, the table also shows that any such relationship disappears at higher doses of aluminum—a quirky finding that should make the whole idea appear unsound. Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2025 Public health experts say both moves are scientifically unsound and would essentially upend the nation's childhood vaccination regimen, leaving children vulnerable to diseases that had long been brought under control. NPR, 20 Nov. 2025 Under the Fed’s new rules, banks can only be tested for material risks to their businesses or balance sheets, such as bad loans or unsound business practices. Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2025 The measures have been opposed by Republicans, including the Colorado GOP, and the Independence Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank, which has castigated the program as a financially unsound failure. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsound

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsound was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsound. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsound

adjective
un·​sound ˌən-ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce unsound (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not healthy or whole
an unsound horse
2
: not mentally normal : not wholly sane
of unsound mind
3
: not firmly made, placed, or fixed
an unsound structure
4
: not based on truth or logic
unsound arguments
unsoundly adverb
unsoundness
-ˈsau̇n(d)-nəs
noun

Medical Definition

unsound

adjective
un·​sound -ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce unsound (audio)
: not sound: as
a
: not healthy or whole
an unsound limb
an unsound horse
b
: not mentally normal : not wholly sane
of unsound mind
c
: not fit to be eaten
unsound food
unsoundness noun

Legal Definition

unsound

adjective
un·​sound ˌən-ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce unsound (audio)
: not sound: as
a
: not healthy or whole
b
: not mentally normal : not wholly sane
of unsound mind
c
: not firmly made, placed, or fixed
d
: not valid or true
an unsound argument
unsoundly adverb
unsoundness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unsound

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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