What does unwholesomely mean?
Unwholesomely is an adverb meaning “in an unwholesome manner.” It describes conduct, expression, or conditions that are harmful to health, morally objectionable, or excessively improper. In modern figurative use, it often emphasizes that something has become excessive or disturbing rather than directly referring to physical illness. For example, a company may be described as unwholesomely focused on profit, while a fictional character may have an unwholesomely intimate relationship with another character. The word carries a distinctly critical and judgmental force, stronger and more colorful than a neutral phrase such as “in an unhealthy way.” It is used in British and American English and can modify verbs, adjectives, and other descriptive expressions. Because it conveys both physical and moral associations, unwholesomely is especially useful when describing something that seems to violate basic standards of health, propriety, or balance.
adverbIn an unwholesome manner: in a way that is harmful to health, morally objectionable, or excessively improper. It is often used figuratively to describe an excessive or disturbing quality.
- In a way that is harmful or unhealthy.
- In a morally objectionable or indecent manner.
- To an excessive or improper degree.
"The advertisement relied on unwholesomely exaggerated claims to make its product seem irresistible."
"The committee became unwholesomely obsessed with minor details."
"The film depicts his unwholesomely close relationship with his family."
Unwholesomely is the adverb for when something is not merely unhealthy, but uncomfortably excessive or morally tainted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unwholesomely come from?
Unwholesomely is formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to unwholesome. The adjective unwholesome combines the negative prefix un- with wholesome, a word associated with health and beneficial qualities. The resulting adverb has inherited the adjective’s meanings of harmfulness, moral objectionability, and, in figurative use, excess or disproportion.
How unwholesomely is actually used
This word has a strongly evaluative tone and is generally more literary or formal than ordinary alternatives such as excessively or unhealthily. Its figurative use often implies that a quality has become excessive, disturbing, or morally questionable.
Easily confused with unwholesomely
Unhealthily focuses primarily on physical health or a lack of health, whereas unwholesomely can also convey moral objectionability or excessive impropriety.