Unholy

/ʌnˈhəʊli/ · adjective

Meaning

Not holy; (by extension) evil, impure, or otherwise perverted..

Definitions by Sense

1. Not holy; (by extension) evil, impure, or otherwise perverted.
2. Dreadful, terrible, excessive, or otherwise atrocious.

Example Sentences

The priest's unholy behaviour brought the church into disrepute.

Presently, however, this pleasing piece was interrupted. Suddenly there was a slight commotion, and a large powerful woman, whom I had noted as one of the most vigorous of the dancers, came, made mad and drunken with unholy excitement, bounding and staggering towards us, shrieking out as she came: - `I want a Black Goat, I must have a Black Goat, bring me a Black Goat!' and down she fell upon the rocky floor foaming and writhing, and shrieking for a Black Goat, about as hideous a spectacle as can well be conceived.

Essentially, the problem dates back to pre-privatisation, cost-driven British Rail practices which featured an unholy pact between management and unions, whereby management was able to employ fewer drivers and limited pension cost liabilities, while drivers were able to hoover up lots of lucrative Sunday overtime.

“Florida has struck an unholy bargain with the Trump administration,” one speaker said. “People are not getting food, hygiene, or medical care. These conditions are substandard and cause irreparable harm.”

What an unholy mess your room is in!

I've been spending an unholy amount of time trying to write a novel!

Synonyms for unholy

Antonyms for unholy

Related Words

Word Forms

• unholier
• more unholy
• unholiest
• most unholy

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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