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

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

No injuries were reported but morale remains low inside the patrol vehicle. —Logan Smith, CBS News, 31 May 2026

Mourinho needs to gel a fractured squad where morale has been damaged by infighting. —Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 29 May 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