unsound
/ˌʌnˈsaʊnd/ (bre, ipa) · [ənsˈaʊnd] /ˌʌnˈsaʊnd/ (ame, ipa) · [ənsˈaʊnd] /ˌən-ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce unsound (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unsound — adjective
- unsoundpositive
- more unsoundcomparative
- most unsoundsuperlative
1. describes advice, reasoning, evidence, or decisions that are so weak, mistaken,
describes advice, reasoning, evidence, or decisions that are so weak, mistaken, or poorly supported that they should not be accepted or trusted.
Élise rejected the report because its central claim rested on unsound evidence.
collocation: unsound evidence
Jiwoo warned that the board's unsound budget would leave the clinic in debt.
finance: unsound budget
The judge overturned an unsound conviction after new phone records emerged.
Ziad called the sales advice unsound after checking the market data twice.
- flawed
emphasises a defect inside the reasoning or plan itself
- invalid
more formal and common for arguments, laws, or conclusions that fail a rule-based test
- unreliable
broader; often used when the evidence or advice cannot be trusted consistently
- sound
direct opposite for reasoning, advice, or evidence that can be trusted
- well-founded
emphasises that the view rests on solid evidence or reasons
用法筆記
Most common in formal discussion of arguments, verdicts, advice, and financial plans. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about weak support or poor judgment, not physical weakness in an object.
常見錯誤
2. describes a building, floor, wall, or other structure whose parts have weakened
describes a building, floor, wall, or other structure whose parts have weakened so much that it may break, sink, or fall.
Christopher stepped away when the inspector said the balcony was unsound.
structure judged unsafe to trust
Salt water had made the old pier unsound near its wooden posts.
cause: water damage weakens structure
Iris refused to rent the shop after seeing its unsound staircase rail.
Engineers closed the tunnel because one side wall had become unsound.
用法筆記
Usually used in inspections, repair reports, and safety warnings. It often follows be, become, or declare when someone judges a structure too weak to trust.
常見錯誤
3. describes someone whose mind is affected by serious mental illness, so they cann
describes someone whose mind is affected by serious mental illness, so they cannot think or judge in a normal way.
The court found Sade mentally unsound and delayed the sentencing hearing.
formal phrase: mentally unsound
Nellie feared her uncle was becoming unsound after he began hearing voices at night.
pattern: become unsound
The diary shows Sivan believed her unsound brother could not manage money alone.
Doctors would not let the prisoner testify while he remained unsound.
- mentally ill
plain descriptive term, less legal in tone
- insane
stronger and often used in legal or dramatic contexts
- deranged
more old-fashioned and strongly negative
- sane
able to think and judge normally
- sound of mind
formal opposite in legal and medical contexts
用法筆記
Often appears in legal or medical writing, especially in the phrase 'of unsound mind'. Distinguish from sense 4: this sense concerns mental judgment, not bodily illness or injured organs.
常見錯誤
4. describes a body, organ, or animal that is diseased or not functioning in a heal
describes a body, organ, or animal that is diseased or not functioning in a healthy way.
The vet said the horse was unsound in one front leg.
pattern: unsound in one leg
After the infection spread, Amelia's left lung became unsound.
medical use for an organ
Farmers sold the unsound sheep separately from the healthy animals.
The dentist removed two unsound teeth before fitting the bridge.
用法筆記
Most common with body parts, teeth, feet, and animals in veterinary or older medical writing. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers to disease or bodily weakness, not damaged buildings or materials.