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View synonyms for immoral

immoral

[ ih-mawr-uhl, ih-mor- ]

adjective

  1. violating moral principles; not conforming to the patterns of conduct usually accepted or established as consistent with principles of personal and social ethics.
  2. licentious or lascivious.


immoral

/ ɪˈmɒrəl /

adjective

  1. transgressing accepted moral rules; corrupt
  2. sexually dissolute; profligate or promiscuous
  3. unscrupulous or unethical

    immoral trading

  4. tending to corrupt or resulting from corruption

    an immoral film

    immoral earnings

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • imˈmorally, adverb
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Other Words From

  • im·moral·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of immoral1

First recorded in 1650–60; im- 2 + moral
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Compare Meanings

How does immoral compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Synonym Study

Immoral, abandoned, depraved describe one who makes no attempt to curb self-indulgence. Immoral, referring to conduct, applies to one who acts contrary to or does not obey or conform to standards of morality; it may also mean licentious and perhaps dissipated. Abandoned, referring to condition, applies to one hopelessly, and usually passively, sunk in wickedness and unrestrained appetites. Depraved, referring to character, applies to one who voluntarily seeks evil and viciousness. Immoral, amoral, nonmoral, and unmoral are sometimes confused with one another. Immoral means not moral and connotes evil or licentious behavior. Amoral, nonmoral, and unmoral, virtually synonymous although the first is by far the most common form, mean utterly lacking in morals (either good or bad), neither moral nor immoral. However, since, in some contexts, there is a stigma implicit in a complete lack of morals, being amoral, nonmoral, or unmoral is sometimes considered just as reprehensible as being immoral.
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Example Sentences

It also as long as South Africa "continues these unjust and immoral practices" then the US will not provide aid or assistance.

From BBC

Racism is gross and immoral, but it's also profoundly unscientific and downright stupid.

From Salon

The trendy term for this is "vice-signaling," defined by The Bulwark's Tim Miller as "people who now gleefully portray themselves publicly as amoral or immoral in order to demonstrate some sort of strength or sophistication."

From Salon

By conflating religious and racial identity, white evangelicals have put a moral gloss on a deeply immoral desire for white supremacy.

From Salon

The message is now perceived to be coming from all corners: it's okay to lie for MAGA, and anyone who says lying is immoral wants to take your "free speech" away.

From Salon

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immolationimmoralism