unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: not saturated: such as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated entry 1 sense 2b

Examples of unsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hamshaw says that for most people, tempeh can be eaten every day as it is minimally processed soy food that provides protein, fiber, iron, and unsaturated fat. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Animal sources tend to come with more saturated fat, while plant sources often bring fiber and unsaturated fats along for the ride. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Top the English muffin with an egg for protein or avocado for fiber and unsaturated fat. — Elizabeth Gall, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2026

Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats — the healthy kind of fats that the body needs — which reduce inflammation. — Diana Anos, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unsaturated

• unsaturated fat

Rhymes for unsaturated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated

Kids Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

ˈən-

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by combining chemically with other substances

especially : containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms

an unsaturated fat

Medical Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed -ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2