morale

noun

mo·​rale mə-ˈral 

1

: moral principles, teachings, or conduct

2

a

: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence, or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or tasks at hand

The team's morale is high.

b

: a sense of common purpose with respect to a group : esprit de corps

The ship's morale improved after two days of shore leave.

3

: the level of individual psychological well-being based on such factors as a sense of purpose and confidence in the future

The failure of his play did not affect his morale.

Examples of morale in a Sentence

The team is playing well and their morale is high.

The President's speech boosted the morale of the troops.

Recent Examples on the Web

The uncertainty is not only rattling European allies worried about the message being sent to Russia, but also risks hurting morale among American troops -- some of whom had their rotations canceled shortly before departure -- and comes as the Army budget is already strained. —Arkansas Online, 6 June 2026

Issues discussed by the candidates ranged from an inability to hire and retain deputies, department morale and poor conditions at the Men’s Central Jail. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 June 2026

Morocco’s then-head coach, Walid Regragui, told ESPN earlier this year that Díaz’s ability to run the ball and fight for it through a play is important for the entire team’s morale. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 1 June 2026

Key issues include jail deaths, low morale among deputies, recruitment struggles and the proper role of oversight in the department. —Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from French, from feminine of moral, adjective; in other senses, modification of French moral morale, from moral, adjective

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for morale

• canal
• chorale
• corral
• locale
• royale
• artisanal
• bal
• dal
• gal
• mal
• pal
• sal

Kids Definition

morale

noun

mo·​rale mə-ˈral 

: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, spirit, or loyalty) of an individual or a group with regard to a task or goal to be accomplished