unsound

adjective

un·​sound ˌən-ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce unsound (audio)
Synonyms of unsoundnext
: 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.
What is deeply concerning is that the District Attorney is choosing to proceed on a case that is fundamentally unsound and cannot be proven at trial. ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 This not only makes the shade problem worse, Chamberlain says, but makes the tree more structurally unsound and vulnerable to damage in harsh weather conditions. Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 30 Mar. 2026 Named the David Geffen Galleries in recognition of the billionaire’s $150 million donation toward the $720 million effort, the concrete building replaces four others that were deemed structurally unsound. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026 After Hegseth’s announcement, Anthropic said in a statement that the designation would be legally unsound and set a dangerous precedent for companies that negotiate with the government. Jack Queen, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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