What does immoralism mean?
Immoralism is a noun denoting either the belief that morality lacks objective authority or the persistent disregard of accepted moral principles. In philosophy and religious criticism, it commonly refers to a position that treats ethical rules as human inventions, subjective preferences, or instruments of social control rather than universal truths. In broader use, the word can describe conduct marked by serious or systematic moral violations, especially conduct that openly rejects the idea of right and wrong. The term is more specific than ordinary immorality: immorality identifies behavior that is wrong, while immoralism often suggests a broader rejection of moral standards or a challenge to their authority. Because of these implications, it is especially common in intellectual debate, literary criticism, political argument, and religious discourse, where it can sound deliberately accusatory.
nounImmoralism is the doctrine that morality has no objective or universal validity, or, more broadly, a practice characterized by disregard for moral standards. It may also refer specifically to conduct that rejects or disregards accepted moral principles.
- The doctrine that morality has no objective or universal validity.
- Conduct or a way of life characterized by disregard for accepted moral standards.
"The philosopher was accused of immoralism for treating ethical rules as arbitrary human conventions."
"The lecture examined the philosophical roots of immoralism in modern thought."
"The novel presents the ruler's immoralism through his exploitation of the poor and his rejection of legal restraints."
Usually used as an uncountable noun; the plural form is uncommon and typically refers to distinct instances or forms of immoralism.
"The essay compares several moralisms without treating them as a single unified doctrine."
Immoralism is more than doing wrong: it is the radical idea that the rules of right and wrong may have no ultimate authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immoralism come from?
Immoralism was formed in English in the 19th century from the adjective immoral and the suffix -ism, which can indicate a doctrine, theory, or characteristic practice. The adjective immoral itself combines the Latin prefix in- or im-, meaning “not,” with moral, from the Latin moralis, meaning “pertaining to morals.” Related forms such as morality, moral, and unmoral share this vocabulary, although their meanings and grammatical functions vary by context.
Related word forms
How immoralism is actually used
In philosophical and religious discussion, the term is usually intellectual and formal. In ordinary usage, it can describe especially extreme or systematic moral corruption, and it may sound rhetorical or accusatory.
Easily confused with immoralism
Immorality refers to behavior or conditions that violate moral standards, whereas immoralism more often names a doctrine or broad approach that rejects or questions such standards.