Definition

Not clean or hygienic, often leading to health risks.

Example

The kitchen was deemed unsanitary due to the presence of mold and dirt.

Conversation

Did you see the state of that restaurant we went to last week?

Yeah, it was pretty gross in there.

I can't believe they would serve food in such an unsanitary place.

I know! We should definitely avoid it next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsanitary → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "sanitary" (from Latin "sanitas", meaning health). The word "unsanitary" means not healthy or not conducive to health.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'healthy' ('sanitary') — that's why unsanitary means something that is not healthy.

Visually Confused Words