unsoundness

/ˌʌnˈsaʊndnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈsaʊndnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈsau̇n(d)-nəs/ (ame, mw)

unsoundness — noun

1. the quality of having serious faults, weak reasoning, or views that should not b

1.名詞C2
釋義

the quality of having serious faults, weak reasoning, or views that should not be accepted or trusted

例句

The judge pointed to the unsoundness of the witness's changing story.

pattern: the unsoundness of [argument / story / plan]

Investors soon saw the unsoundness of a plan built on borrowed money.

同義詞
  • weakness

    broader and less formal; can describe many kinds of problems

  • flaw

    usually one specific defect rather than the overall poor quality

  • unreliability

    focuses more narrowly on not being dependable

反義詞
  • soundness

    the quality of being reasonable, dependable, or acceptable

用法筆記

Usually used for arguments, plans, rules, theories, and decisions rather than for physical damage. Distinguish from sense 3, which is about a structure or object being weak or decayed.

常見錯誤

❌The unsoundness of the bridge made the report false.
✅The unsoundness of the bridge made it unsafe.
💡for weak reasoning or faulty ideas, use this sense with plans, arguments, rules, or advice, not with a physical structure.

2. a condition in which mental illness seriously affects a person's judgment and se

2.名詞C2
釋義

a condition in which mental illness seriously affects a person's judgment and self-control

例句

The doctors disagreed about the prisoner's unsoundness after the attack.

formal pattern: unsoundness after an incident or evaluation

His family sought treatment when his unsoundness became impossible to hide.

同義詞
  • madness

    less formal and often broader in everyday use

  • insanity

    close in meaning, especially in legal or medical contexts

  • instability

    weaker; may suggest mental or emotional weakness without full illness

反義詞
  • sanity

    the state of having normal judgment and mental balance

用法筆記

A formal word, often found in medical or legal discussion. It usually suggests a condition serious enough to affect judgment or responsibility, not an ordinary bad mood.

常見錯誤

❌Her unsoundness about the travel plan annoyed us.
✅Her doubts about the travel plan annoyed us.
💡this sense is about mental illness, not about disagreement or uncertainty.

3. the condition of being weak, damaged, or beginning to decay, especially in a str

3.名詞C2
釋義

the condition of being weak, damaged, or beginning to decay, especially in a structure or solid object

例句

The survey found unsoundness in the roof above the village hall.

pattern: unsoundness in [roof / wall / beam]

Years of rain had caused unsoundness in the old wooden bridge.

同義詞
  • decay

    stresses gradual rotting or breaking down over time

  • damage

    broader; can come from one event and may not imply weakness throughout

  • weakness

    can describe lack of strength without visible damage

反義詞
  • solidity

    focuses on firm and dependable physical condition

用法筆記

Most often used for buildings, bridges, walls, timber, or other solid materials. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about faulty ideas or advice rather than physical weakness.

常見錯誤

❌The kitchen looked dirty because of its unsoundness.
✅The kitchen looked dirty because it was not clean.
💡this sense is about damage or decay, not about untidiness.