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

Reports of low morale and mental health concerns among sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have raised questions from Congress and families this week. — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

This turn in the barrel has unsurprisingly influenced morale at the nearly 1,700-person company. — Andrew Zucker, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026

Families of some of the 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the Lincoln describe low morale and deteriorating conditions. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

Other carriers also have had long runs that have raised concerns about morale. — Konstantin Toropin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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