What does ungodliness mean?
Ungodliness is a formal, strongly evaluative noun meaning moral wickedness or conduct regarded as contrary to devotion to God and religious moral standards. In Christian usage, it can refer to sinfulness, impiety, or open hostility toward God; more broadly, speakers may apply it to cultures, political movements, institutions, or personal behavior that they believe to reject or undermine religious values. The word is normally treated as a mass noun, so plural forms are exceptional, and its tone is typically grave and condemnatory rather than neutral. Ungodliness is related to the adjective ungodly and to godliness, godless, and godly. Etymologically, it combines the negative prefix un-, the word god, and the adjective-forming suffix -ly, with the noun-forming suffix -ness. Because it carries both religious and moral judgment, it is especially associated with sermons, theological writing, political rhetoric, and cultural criticism. Unlike the more neutral godlessness, which primarily concerns the absence or rejection of belief in God, ungodliness emphasizes moral evil, hostility to worship, or failure to honor religious commitments.
nounThe quality or state of being ungodly, especially moral wickedness or conduct considered hostile to religious faith or reverent conduct toward God.
- Moral wickedness or conduct considered contrary to devotion to God, religious principles, or reverent moral standards.
"The preacher condemned the ungodliness of a society that had abandoned its moral obligations."
"The preacher condemned the ungodliness of a society that had abandoned its moral obligations."
"In the novel, the family’s gradual loss of faith becomes a symbol of social ungodliness."
Rare; the word is normally used as an uncountable mass noun.
"The study distinguishes among several forms of ungodliness rather than treating it as a single condition."
To call something ungodly is more than to call it irreligious: it implies active moral opposition to God.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ungodliness come from?
Ungodliness was formed in English from the adjective ungodly and the suffix -ness. Ungodly combines un-, god, and -ly, ultimately drawing on Old English gōd, “god,” while ungodliness uses -ness to form an abstract noun. Closely related formations include godly, godliness, godless, and godlessness.
How ungodliness is actually used
The word is formal, grave, and strongly evaluative. It originated in a religious context but may be extended to secular institutions, political movements, or cultural practices that the speaker believes to undermine religious or moral values.
Easily confused with ungodliness
Godlessness primarily denotes the absence or rejection of belief in God, whereas ungodliness more strongly emphasizes moral wickedness, hostility toward worship, or conduct contrary to religious values.