original sin
noun
1
: the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2
: a wrong of great magnitude
the original sin of slavery
Examples of original sin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Religious concepts like original sin remind us that people stray from the path of goodness as part of human nature.
—
Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
But the one issue that impacts more things, in more ways, on more days, is the cost of housing, California’s original sin.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Betraying one’s country for personal or political gain is an original sin dating back to the tribes who aligned with Spanish conquistadors to take down repressive empires, only to suffer the same sad end themselves.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Her original sin was simply not being French, with centuries-old anti-Austrian sentiment lingering just beneath the surface.
—Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for original sin
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
But the one issue that impacts more things, in more ways, on more days, is the cost of housing, California’s original sin.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Betraying one’s country for personal or political gain is an original sin dating back to the tribes who aligned with Spanish conquistadors to take down repressive empires, only to suffer the same sad end themselves.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Her original sin was simply not being French, with centuries-old anti-Austrian sentiment lingering just beneath the surface.
—Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for original sin
Cite this Entry
“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
