What does immorality mean?
Immorality denotes conduct that is morally wrong, unethical, or contrary to accepted standards of right and wrong. It is used especially in formal discussions of literature, religion, law, politics, and public behavior, where it identifies a perceived failure of moral responsibility. The word can refer either to particular acts or practices, as in condemning the immorality of exploitation, or more broadly to a state or quality of being unethical. Its strong critical tone makes it more forceful than simply saying that something is wrong, while its focus on moral standards distinguishes it from merely illegal conduct: an action can be unlawful without being immoral, although the two may overlap. Immorality is closely related in meaning to wickedness, vice, and sin, although these terms may carry different religious or traditional associations.
Behavior or conduct that violates accepted moral principles or standards of right and wrong.
"The testimony exposed the immorality behind the fraudulent scheme."
The noun is commonly used in formal and strongly evaluative contexts.
The quality or condition of being immoral or lacking ethical principles.
"The author examines immorality in a society governed by self-interest."
In this sense, the word names a moral condition rather than a single action.
Plural form used for distinct instances or examples of immoral conduct or wrongdoing.
"The novel portrays several moral failures and personal immoralities."
Immortality may mean living forever, but immorality means something much less admirable: conduct that conflicts with accepted moral standards.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immorality come from?
Immorality is an English noun formed by combining the prefix im-, meaning 'not,' with morality, which comes from moral and ultimately from Latin moralis, related to mos, meaning 'custom' or 'moral practice.' The formation im- plus morality developed to express the opposite of moral goodness. Its related terms include moral, morally, and morality, which share the same Latin root.
How immorality is actually used
Immorality is a formal and generally strongly critical term. It is more evaluative than the more neutral phrase 'unethical behavior' and is often used in discussions of literature, morality, law, religion, or public conduct.