French word

malsain

Pronunciation

IPA/malsɛ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunhealthy

Example

Son comportement est malsain.

His behavior is unhealthy.

Illustration for malsain (unhealthy)

More examples

Cette relation est malsaine.

This relationship is unhealthy.

Core concept

A pattern of living or relating that produces harm instead of healthy balance.

Common phrases

  • relation malsaine

    unhealthy relationship

  • ambiance malsaine

    unhealthy atmosphere

  • habitude malsaine

    unhealthy habit

Similar words

toxique: Capable of causing poisoning and serious physical or psychological harm.
nocif: Causing bodily harm through consumption or contact.
néfaste: Producing harmful effects or damage over time.
insalubre: Unhygienic and liable to damage health.

Definition in French

Qui est nocif pour le bien-être physique ou psychique, notamment pour des habitudes ou des relations.

Word origin

Malsain was formed from mal- and sain, whose Latin ancestors are male and sanus, linking badness with impaired health.

Usage tips

  • The final -ain is nasal in malsain, whereas the final -aine of malsaine is pronounced with a clear n.

Other meanings

  • harmfuladjective

Opposites

  • sainhealthyadjective
  • salubresanitaryadjective

Related words

  • malsainementunhealthilyadverb

Word lists with this word