What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unhealthy
Example
Eating fast food every day is unhealthy. [unhealthy: adjective]
Example
She has an unhealthy obsession with social media. [unhealthy: adjective]
harmful
Example
Smoking is harmful to your health. [harmful: adjective]
Example
The chemicals in that cleaning product are harmful to the environment. [harmful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unhealthy is more commonly used than harmful in everyday language, especially in the context of food and lifestyle choices. However, harmful is still a common word and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unhealthy and harmful?
Both unhealthy and harmful are versatile words that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, harmful may be considered slightly more formal due to its broader scope and stronger connotations of danger or toxicity.
