What does ungodly mean?
Ungodly means contrary to God, religious belief, or high moral standards. In its older and more serious sense, it describes conduct or attitudes considered impious, wicked, or morally objectionable: an ungodly act may be condemned as violating both religious and ethical principles. The word also has a familiar figurative use meaning excessively bad, unreasonable, extreme, or inconvenient, often with a humorous or complaining tone. Phrases such as "an ungodly hour" refer to a very inconveniently late time, while "an ungodly mess" can describe severe disorder. This range makes ungodly more emotionally forceful than neutral alternatives such as bad or excessive. Its religious associations remain important, however, and modern speakers often choose it for rhetorical emphasis rather than as a precise description. The word is recognizable in both British and American English, with only minor differences in pronunciation.
adjectiveContrary to religious belief or moral principles; impious, wicked, or morally objectionable. By extension, it can mean extremely bad, excessive, or unreasonable, especially in informal or humorous contexts.
- Contrary to religious belief or moral principles; impious, wicked, or morally objectionable.
- Extremely bad, excessive, or unreasonable, especially in informal or humorous contexts.
"The committee condemned the decision as ungodly and morally indefensible."
"The organization rejected the proposal as an ungodly attempt to exploit vulnerable families."
"We stayed up until an ungodly hour trying to finish the presentation."
Ungodly began as a serious moral judgment, but it survives in phrases like "an ungodly hour"—a dramatic way to complain about being up far too late.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ungodly come from?
Ungodly was formed in English during the early modern period by adding the negative prefix un- to the older adjective godly. Godly itself belongs to a Germanic word family based on Old English gōd, meaning God, and the old suffix -lic, meaning resembling or having the nature of. Related English forms include godless and godlike, while godly supplies the contrasting religious sense of ungodly.
Related word forms
How ungodly is actually used
In its religious sense, ungodly is strongly evaluative and may sound formal, archaic, or religiously charged. Its figurative use is often exaggerated or humorous, as in "an ungodly hour" or "an ungodly mess."
Easily confused with ungodly
Godly means devoted to God or religiously virtuous, whereas ungodly means contrary to God or religious morality and can also be used humorously for something extreme.