unhealthy

Unhealthy is an English adjective used to describe conditions, behaviors, or states that are detrimental to physical or mental health. The term is common in everyday language as well as in public health, medical, and policy discussions to signal a negative impact on well-being rather than a normal or beneficial state.

Applications of the term span several domains. In diet, unhealthy eating patterns—such as high intake of processed foods, added sugars, or saturated fats—are frequently described this way. In lifestyle, chronic inactivity, insufficient sleep, or persistent stress can be labeled unhealthy. Environmental factors such as polluted air, unsafe housing, or hazardous workplaces may also be described as unhealthy. Substance use, including tobacco or excessive alcohol consumption, is commonly characterized as unhealthy due to established health risks.

There is a related, though less common, distinction in usage. Some sources differentiate unhealthy from unhealthful: unhealthy tends to describe states or conditions, while unhealthful may be used to refer to things that have the potential to cause health problems. In practice, unhealthy is far more widely used, though both terms appear in English-language texts.

The label is inherently value-laden and context-sensitive. While it can motivate health-promoting changes, it can also carry stigma or oversimplify complex situations. Health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, access to resources, and socioenvironmental conditions. Consequently, assessments of what is unhealthy are often nuanced and subject to ongoing evaluation in health research and policy.