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

Improving morale and productivity in the Office and regaining the public’s trust. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Navy officials have long warned that long deployments at sea can damage morale on ships. —Idrees Ali, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Tottenham’s fanbase are rightly frustrated, but playing more boldly (and picking up a few wins) will quickly boost their morale, at least in the short term. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026

The vast majority of TSA agents will be working without pay, so expect more agent absences, meaning fewer staff, lower morale and longer wait times at airport security. —Cate Martel, The Hill, 12 Feb. 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
• ghazal
• locale
• royale
• 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