What does unchastity mean?
Unchastity is a formal noun meaning a lack of chastity, particularly sexual immorality, promiscuity, or unfaithfulness. In earlier English, it was often used in religious sermons, legal and political accusations, moral commentary, and literature. The word is associated with ideas of sexual restraint and fidelity, so its occurrences commonly express disapproval rather than neutral description. Although “unchaste” remains more natural as a modern adjective, “unchastity” can still be effective when discussing historical attitudes, religious prohibitions, or the language of moral judgment. Its prefix “un-” forms a direct contrast with “chastity,” while the term’s generally elevated and archaic register distinguishes it from more colloquial descriptions of sexual behavior.
nounThe state of being unchaste, especially of sexual immorality or failure to remain faithful to a partner. The word can also refer more generally to a lack of sexual restraint.
- Lack of chastity, especially sexual immorality, promiscuity, or unfaithfulness.
"The sermon condemned the unchastity that had spread through the royal court."
"The preacher condemned the unchastity that had spread through the royal court."
"In the novel, her reputation for unchastity becomes central to the family’s conflict."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon because the word usually appears as an abstract singular noun.
"The novel depicts the unchasties denounced by the village elders."
Once a powerful moral accusation, unchastity now survives mainly in the language of history, religion, and literature.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unchastity come from?
Unchastity was formed in English by combining the negative prefix “un-” with “chastity.” “Chastity” comes through Old French castité from Latin castitas, a noun derived from castus, meaning “chaste” or “morally pure.” The related English adjective “unchaste” preserves the same Latin and French semantic tradition.
Related word forms
How unchastity is actually used
This is a formal and largely literary word. It is much less common in modern everyday English than unchaste, and its use often carries a moral, religious, or historical tone.