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Immoral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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immoral

[ษชหˆmษ”หrษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not conforming to accepted standards of morality; morally wrong.

Synonyms

sinful, unethical, wrong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
immoral

Used when describing actions or behaviors that are widely considered to go against moral principles or accepted standards of right and wrong.

  • Stealing from a charity is considered immoral by most people.
unethical

Applied to actions or behaviors that go against professional or societal standards, particularly in business or professional settings.

  • It is unethical for doctors to disclose patient information without consent.
wrong

A general term used to describe actions or decisions that are not right, just, or acceptable according to common standards.

  • Cheating on a test is wrong.
sinful

Often used in religious contexts to describe actions that are considered an offense against divine law or moral beliefs; has a strong negative connotation.

  • In many religions, lying is seen as sinful.

Examples of usage

  • He was widely criticized for his immoral behavior.
  • She believed that cheating on the exam was immoral.
  • Theft is considered immoral in most societies.
Context #2 | Adjective

society

Contrary to established moral principles.

Synonyms

improper, unethical, wrong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
immoral

Used to describe actions or behavior that is considered extremely bad or evil by general moral standards. Often implies a severe violation of moral principles.

  • Stealing from the poor is considered deeply immoral.
  • His immoral acts were condemned by society.
unethical

Describes actions or behavior that go against professional standards or accepted ethical rules. Often used in professional or business contexts.

  • The doctor's use of patient information for personal gain was highly unethical.
  • Unethical business practices have damaged the company's reputation.
wrong

A general term that can be used to describe anything that is incorrect, not right, or morally unacceptable. It doesn't specify the degree or context as much as other words.

  • Lying to your friends is wrong.
  • It's wrong to cheat on your exams.
improper

Refers to actions or behavior that are not suitable or correct in a particular situation, but may not be severely wrong. It's often used to describe things that are inappropriate or not in line with social norms.

  • Wearing jeans to a formal wedding is improper.
  • It was improper for him to speak during the meeting without being invited.

Examples of usage

  • The decision to exploit child labor was deemed immoral by the public.
  • Many people find the use of animals for entertainment purposes to be immoral.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers debate what actions are considered immoral, often looking at the consequences.
  • Immanuel Kant argued that actions are immoral if they cannot be universally applied to everyone.
  • Utilitarianism suggests that the morality of an action depends on its outcomesโ€”that is, whether it results in the greatest happiness.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have various standards of morality, so what's seen as immoral in one place may be accepted in another.
  • Religious teachings often define what is considered immoral behavior, shaping societal laws and customs.
  • In modern times, discussions around the morality of actions, such as environmental harm, highlight evolving cultural standards.

Literature

  • Characters portrayed as immoral often serve as cautionary tales in literature, showcasing the consequences of their actions.
  • Classic novels, like 'The Great Gatsby,' explore themes of moral ambiguity and the impact of individual choices.
  • Immoral behavior is frequently a central theme in plays, where characters must confront the ethical implications of their decisions.

Psychology

  • Studies show that perceptions of morality can be influenced by emotions, upbringing, and social context.
  • The concept of moral psychology explores why people make unethical choices despite knowing right from wrong.
  • Cognitive dissonance often occurs when individuals justify their immoral actions, leading to internal conflict.

Origin of 'immoral'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'immoral' comes from the Latin 'immoralis,' meaning 'not moral.'
  • It combines the prefix 'im-', which means 'not,' with 'moral,' relating to right and wrong.
  • The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe unethical behavior.

The word 'immoral' originated in the late 17th century from the Latin word 'immoralis', meaning 'not moral'. It has been used to describe actions or behaviors that are not in accordance with accepted moral standards. Throughout history, the concept of morality has been a subject of philosophical debate, with different societies and cultures having varying views on what is considered immoral.

See also: amoral, demoralize, demoralized, immorality, immorally, moral, moralistic, morality, moralize, moralizing, morally, morals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,787, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.