Word
unsaturated
Phoneticsun·sat·u·rat·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈsætʃɝˌeɪtɪd/
UK/ʌnsˈætʃəɹˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. describing a chemical compound that has double or triple bonds between its atoms. These bonds make the molecule more reactive than a similar one with only single bonds.
adj. describing a chemical compound that contains at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms. Often used in organic chemistry to distinguish from saturated compounds, which have only single bonds.
Examples
“Olive oil contains many unsaturated fats.”
“The chemist tested the sample to determine if the hydrocarbon was unsaturated, which would indicate the presence of double bonds.”
“In industrial catalysis, unsaturated hydrocarbons are often preferred because their multiple bonds provide more reactive sites for the formation of complex polymers and plastics.”
Examples
simple
“Olive oil contains many unsaturated fats.”
contextual
“The chemist tested the sample to determine if the hydrocarbon was unsaturated, which would indicate the presence of double bonds.”
complex
“In industrial catalysis, unsaturated hydrocarbons are often preferred because their multiple bonds provide more reactive sites for the formation of complex polymers and plastics.”
Real-World Examples
“Except for red, the hues in nature are overwhelmingly unsaturated: Pale blue skies and light yellow-green vegetation contrast with the more saturated red hues in tree trunks, rocks and soil.” “Current dietary guidance generally recommends keeping saturated fat below 10% of daily calories and choosing unsaturated fats when possible.” Etymology
From un- + saturated.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/unsaturated