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

Derived Forms

• imˈmorally, adverb

Other Words From

• im·moral·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of immoral¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

Whatever the voters’ reasons, forcing incarcerated individuals to do work against their will is immoral and does no one any good — neither prisoners nor those in the outside world to which most will return.

From Los Angeles Times

More than any other group, these white Christians, who once proudly called themselves “values voters,” have provided moral and religious cover for the immoral and the profane.

From Salon

“Give him a chance up to the point when Trump starts ordering the military to do illegal, immoral, unconstitutional things,” Bolton said.

From Los Angeles Times

When Vi stands up to Caitlyn for making this immoral decision, Caitlyn shows that the prejudice she feels for other Zaun natives can be extended even to the one she claims to love.

From Salon

This attitude isn't just immoral, but it shows they fail to understand how their leaders, especially Trump, manipulate them.

From Salon

Related Words

• abandoned
• debauched
• lascivious
• libertine
• licentious
• promiscuous