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Unholy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unholy

[ʌnˈhoʊli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religious

Not holy; wicked; sinful; impious; as, unholy words; conduct unholy.

Synonyms

impious, profane, sinful, wicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unholy

Typically used to describe something that is morally wrong or abominable, often with a sense of being against religious principles.

  • The unholy alliance between the two criminal organizations was a cause for concern.
wicked

Describes something or someone that is morally wrong, evil, or malevolent. It can be used more broadly than the others.

  • The wicked stepmother treated Cinderella very badly.
sinful

Describes actions or behaviors that are considered morally wrong or evil, especially within a religious framework.

  • The preacher warned against living a sinful life.
impious

Used to describe a lack of reverence or respect for religious practices or deities. It has strong negative connotations.

  • His impious remarks during the ceremony shocked everyone.
profane

Often refers to something that shows a lack of respect for religious practices or sacred things. It can also mean vulgar or inappropriate.

  • She was reprimanded for using profane language in the classroom.

Examples of usage

  • He was punished for his unholy actions.
  • She felt guilty for her unholy thoughts.
  • The unholy act shocked the community.
  • The unholy alliance between the two criminal organizations was dangerous.
  • The unholy war resulted in many casualties.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Unacceptable according to social or moral standards; contrary to what is considered sacred or pure.

Synonyms

disrespectful, improper, inappropriate, unacceptable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unholy

Used in situations involving a profound lack of reverence or respect, often in a religious or moral context. This word can have strong negative connotations.

  • The unholy rituals shocked everyone in the community.
  • They committed an unholy act against the church.
unacceptable

Used to describe something that is not allowed or cannot be tolerated, often implying a serious breach of standards or expectations.

  • Such behavior is completely unacceptable in this school.
  • Late submissions are unacceptable for this project.
improper

Used to describe behavior or actions that do not conform to accepted standards or rules, often in a formal or professional context.

  • Wearing casual clothes to a black-tie event is considered improper.
  • It is improper to discuss confidential information in public.
inappropriate

Refers to actions or comments that are not suitable for a particular situation or context, and can also imply a breach of social norms or decency.

  • His jokes were inappropriate for a work environment.
  • It is inappropriate to use your phone during a movie.
disrespectful

Applied when someone shows a lack of respect or courtesy towards others, often in personal interactions or social situations.

  • Her comments during the meeting were disrespectful to her colleagues.
  • Talking over someone while they are speaking is extremely disrespectful.

Examples of usage

  • The unholy mess left by the vandals was heartbreaking.
  • The unholy noise coming from the construction site was unbearable.
  • The unholy smell of the landfill polluted the entire area.

Translations

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

Origin of 'unholy'

The word 'unholy' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English 'unhālīc'. The prefix 'un-' denotes negation, while 'hāl' means 'whole, sound, healthy'. Over time, 'unholy' evolved to encompass both religious and general contexts, reflecting actions or attributes that are sinful, impious, or socially/morally unacceptable.

See also: holily, holiness, holy, unholiness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,525, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.