How Do You Spell UNHEALTHFUL?

Pronunciation: [ʌnhˈɛlθfə͡l] (IPA)

The word 'unhealthful' is spelled with the prefix 'un-', which indicates negation, and the root word 'healthful', which means promoting good health. The correct phonetic transcription of this word is /ʌnˈhɛlθ.fʊl/. The stress falls on the second syllable and is pronounced as "helth". The 'f' sound is used instead of 'th' in the word 'health' because 'f' comes after a short vowel sound. Therefore, 'unhealthful' refers to something that is harmful or not promoting good health.

UNHEALTHFUL Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "unhealthful" refers to something that is detrimental or harmful to one's health. It describes things that have the potential to cause negative effects or contribute to illness or disease. Whether it refers to food, activities, environments, or substances, "unhealthful" signifies a lack of beneficial qualities and an inclination towards posing risks to the well-being or physical condition of an individual.

    When referring to food or drink, "unhealthful" typically denotes edibles that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, or sodium. These substances, when consumed in excessive amounts, may lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, or other adverse health conditions.

    In terms of activities, the term can describe behaviors that are physically dangerous or detrimental to one's overall well-being. For example, smoking cigarettes is widely regarded as an unhealthful habit due to the harmful effects it has on the respiratory system and the increased risk of developing various types of cancer.

    In regard to environments, "unhealthful" may describe locations that expose individuals to toxins, pollutants, or hazardous substances that can negatively impact health. These could include areas with high levels of air pollution, chemical facilities, or mold-infested dwellings.

    Overall, "unhealthful" implies a lack of health-promoting qualities and suggests the potential for harm or risk to one's physical well-being.

  2. Unwholesome, insalubrious, injurious to health.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Injurious to health; unwholesome.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for UNHEALTHFUL

Etymology of UNHEALTHFUL

The word unhealthful is derived from the combination of the prefix un- meaning not or lack of, and the adjective healthful, which means favorable or beneficial to health. The word healthful originated from the Middle English word helfful or helpful in the 14th century, which meant beneficial or conducive to health. The term eventually transformed into healthful in the 16th century to specifically emphasize its relation to health and well-being. The addition of the prefix un- creates the opposite meaning of not beneficial or favorable to health, giving us the word unhealthful.

Similar spelling words for UNHEALTHFUL

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