unhygienically
|un-hy-gien-i-cal-ly|
/ˌʌn.haɪˈdʒiːnɪk(ə)li/
(unhygienic)
not clean
Etymology
'unhygienic' is formed from the English negative prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' plus the adjective 'hygienic', which ultimately derives from Greek 'hygieinos' (also seen as 'hugiēinos') meaning 'healthy'.
'hygieinos' passed into modern European languages (through Latin and French as 'hygiénique') and then into English as 'hygienic'; the prefix 'un-' was attached in English to create 'unhygienic' and the adverbial form 'unhygienically'.
Originally relating to 'health' or 'being healthy' via the Greek root, the meaning evolved to refer specifically to cleanliness and sanitary practices; 'unhygienic' and 'unhygienically' have carried the modern sense 'not sanitary' since their formation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that is not hygienic or sanitary; in a way that is dirty or likely to spread disease or infection.
The kitchen was being cleaned unhygienically, leaving food exposed to contamination.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 20:20