Definition and Pronunciation
Immoral (pronounced: /ɪˈmɔːrəl/ or /ɪˈmɒrəl/) is an adjective that means not following accepted moral standards; acting in a way considered wrong, sinful, or corrupt by societal, cultural, or religious values. It often refers to dishonesty, injustice, or sexual misconduct.
Easy Explanation
“Immoral” means doing something bad or against what people believe is right. For example, lying, stealing, or cheating may be called immoral. In sexual contexts, behavior outside cultural or religious rules is often labeled immoral.
Grammatical Formation
- Prefix: im- (not) + moral (good, virtuous).
- Adjective: immoral
- Noun: immorality
- Adverb: immorally
- Opposite: moral
Word Comparisons
- Immoral vs. amoral: immoral = against morals; amoral = without concern for morals.
- Immoral vs. unethical: unethical = against professional or social codes; immoral = against broader moral/religious principles.
- Immoral vs. sinful: sinful = specific to religion; immoral = broader, can be secular or religious.
Connotations
- Negative: corrupt, wrong, evil, indecent.
- Cultural/Religious: sinful, impure, wicked.
- Figurative: reckless, socially harmful.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Immoral in: immoral in behavior.
- Immoral with: immoral with money or power.
- Immoral for: immoral for society as a whole.
Real-Life Examples
- The court condemned his immoral actions.
- They considered premarital sex immoral in their community.
- Immoral leaders often exploit the weak.
- She refused to take part in what she saw as an immoral deal.
Synonyms
sinful, corrupt, wicked, unethical, depraved, evil, dishonorable, indecent, unprincipled
Antonyms
moral, virtuous, ethical, righteous, honest, pure, noble, upright
Related Terms
- Morality – principles of right and wrong.
- Vice – immoral or wicked behavior.
- Corruption – moral decay, dishonesty.
- Immorality – the state of being immoral.
Common Collocations
- immoral act
- immoral behavior
- immoral practices
- immoral leaders
- immoral society
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Immoral conduct: general phrase for unethical or sinful actions.
- Immoral pleasures: indulgence in forbidden or sinful desires.
- Immoral society: a culture viewed as corrupt or sinful.
Sample Sentences
- Cheating in exams is considered immoral.
- He was accused of immoral behavior with his employees.
- They preached against immoral lifestyles.
- Corruption in politics is an immoral betrayal of trust.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, often. Many cultures use “immoral” specifically for sexual behavior—such as adultery, promiscuity, or relationships outside accepted norms. However, it is broader and can apply to dishonesty, crime, and other unethical actions.
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