Unmoral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
❌
unmoral
[ʌnˈmɔːrəl ]
Definition
ethical context
The term 'unmoral' describes an action or behavior that lacks moral principles or values. It is often applied to deeds that are considered wrong or unethical but are not necessarily illegal. Unlike 'immoral', which implies a known moral choice against ethical standards, 'unmoral' suggests a lack of morality altogether. This term may refer to individuals or societies that do not adhere to any recognized moral framework, thus behaving without regard for ethical considerations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He committed an unmoral act by lying to his friend.
- The corporation's unmoral practices led to widespread condemnation.
- They made an unmoral decision to prioritize profit over people's welfare.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychological research suggests individuals described as unmoral might struggle with empathy and understanding social norms.
- The development of moral reasoning occurs in stages, and some individuals may reach adulthood without a well-defined moral compass.
- Certain personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, can lead to unmoral behaviors due to a lack of regard for others’ feelings.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Nietzsche often discussed the concept of morals as societal constructs, implying that unmoral actions might be redefined depending on the context.
- Utilitarianism suggests that unmoral actions could be justified if they result in the greater good, challenging traditional moral frameworks.
- Debates around ethical relativism explore whether unmoral acts may be justified based on differing cultural perspectives.
Literature
- In many classic novels, unmoral characters serve as anti-heroes, illustrating the complexities of human nature and the struggle between good and evil.
- Dostoevsky’s 'Crime and Punishment' features characters wrestling with moral dilemmas, some displaying unmoral traits as they justify their actions.
- Modern dystopian literature often portrays unmoral societies as warnings against the loss of empathy and ethical consideration.
Sociology
- Societies often judge unmoral behavior based on collective values, leading to outcast or stigmatized individuals.
- Groupthink can lead to collective unmoral actions, where individuals abandon personal morals for the sake of conformity.
- Cultural shifts can redefine what is seen as unmoral; actions once deemed acceptable can become morally questionable over time.
Origin of 'unmoral'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, meaning 'not', while 'moral' refers to principles of right or wrong.
- First used in the English language in the early 19th century, it contrasted with the concept of morality.
- Related words include 'immoral', which specifically signals wrongdoing, while 'unmoral' indicates a lack of moral sense altogether.
The word 'unmoral' originates from the prefix 'un-', which denotes negation, combined with 'moral', stemming from the Latin 'moralis', meaning 'pertaining to manners'. The use of 'moral' can be traced back to the 14th century in Middle English, where it represented principles of right and wrong behavior. The addition of the prefix 'un-' results in a term that indicates the absence of morals instead of simply acting against them. 'Unmoral' as a concept has been explored in philosophical discussions surrounding ethics and morality, allowing for a distinction between those who knowingly choose to act against moral standards and those who entirely lack such standards. The evolution of 'unmoral' reflects a growing discourse on the nature of morality within individual behaviors and societal norms.