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

Agents regarded these moves as a purge, and press reports claimed that bureau morale was at an all-time low, charges that Gray denied. —Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

Chief Humphrey attributes the positive trends to improved officer morale and a clearer departmental vision. —Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025

Toxic positivity can at first seem like a motivator, but over time can negatively affect team morale and productivity. —Mita Mallick, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025

With morale already battered, the workforce shrinking and the agency’s future uncertain, a shutdown could push FEMA dangerously close to the edge. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 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