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 Several structural engineers found the River East at Grandview Condominiums, on Talbert Street SE, dangerous, unlivable and structurally unsound; its very foundation has for years been sinking toward a steep drop-off that slopes down toward the residential street below. Danny Nguyen, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024 Keeping the building in place and doing whatever is necessary to make the structurally unsound building safe. Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 31 Jan. 2024 The disconcerting reality is that illusions of scientific legitimacy and flawed expert testimony are often the catalyst for deeply unsound convictions. David Robert Grimes, Scientific American, 8 Dec. 2023 All of the damaging effects from unsound money today emerge from the discretion exercised by a handful of individuals on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Korok Ray, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Its wide-ranging portfolio is evidence of the way that the dazzling spectacle of China’s growth obscured the economy’s unsound foundations. Nr Editors, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024 In 2004, the buildings were found to be seismically unsound and were demolished. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Dec. 2023 Even effective techniques like blood splatter and DNA analysis can be misused in unsound convictions, underpinned by variants of the prosecutor’s fallacy. David Robert Grimes, Scientific American, 8 Dec. 2023 Buildings have been leveled or made structurally unsound. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsound.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unsound

Cite this Entry

“Unsound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsound. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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