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malsano

unhealthy

adjective mahl-SAH-noh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Origin: Compound of mal- (bad) + sano (healthy).

Also means

unwholesome

Usage Note

Malsano can describe physically unhealthy conditions (un ambiente malsano, an unhealthy environment) or figuratively unhealthy situations and relationships. Its opposite is sano. The feminine form is malsana. It is stronger in register than poco sano and carries a more literary tone.

Examples

"Vivere in quell'ambiente malsano lo stava logorando."

Natural Translation

Living in that unhealthy environment was wearing him down.

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