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

Despite her best efforts, employee morale had taken a significant hit, and Anna felt it deeply. —Harvard Business Review, 8 Nov. 2025

Over the next four years, Calvo says his administration will focus on improving efficiency, rebuilding morale within city departments, and making Hialeah a place where both residents and city employees want to stay. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

The next appointee will inherit an 800-person department that has long grappled with internal turmoil, public scrutiny and strained morale. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025

For the air traffic controllers at work, deliveries of food and coffee from flight attendants and a pilot association boosted morale this week. —Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025

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