morality

noun

mo·​ral·​i·​ty mə-ˈra-lə-tē 

mȯ-

plural moralities

1

a

: a moral discourse, statement, or lesson

ended his lecture with a trite morality

b

: a literary or other imaginative work teaching a moral lesson

"Aesop's Fables" is famous as a morality.

2

a

: a doctrine or system of moral conduct

the basic law which an adequate morality ought to state

—Marjorie Grene

b

moralities plural : particular moral principles or rules of conduct

we were all brought up on one of these moralities

—Psychiatry

3

: conformity to ideals of right human conduct

admitted the expediency of the law but questioned its morality

4

: moral conduct : virtue

morality today involves a responsible relationship toward the laws of the natural world

—P. B. Sears

Synonyms

• character
• decency
• goodness
• honesty
• integrity
• probity
• rectitude
• righteousness
• rightness
• uprightness
• virtue
• virtuousness

Examples of morality in a Sentence

The group is calling for a return to traditional morality.

two groups with clashing moralities

The decision may be legally justified, but I question its morality.

Recent Examples on the Web

Doing so would not be a military victory but a victory for morality and communal responsibility, a repayment of the debt owed to those who were forsaken by the Israeli government and the entire defense establishment. —Ami Ayalon, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2024

Adapted from the blockbuster video game franchise by Westworld’s Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, this vast apocalyptic adventure interrogates the concept of human survival through a lens of morality and justice. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2024

What Is the Traditional Casual Aesthetic? Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Sustainable Home Decor Aquarius, the last air sign in the zodiac, are defined by their innovative, idealistic, progressive, and confident traits—often doing things their own way with a strong sense of morality and purpose. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2024

Emphasis on morality In private life, Mr. Lieberman was a strict observer of Orthodox Jewish rules. —Michael H. Brown, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024

Even in this most Manichean of contests, relating strategy to morality was a continual challenge. —Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024

They’re not negatively represented but are instead revered, usually appearing as unassailable symbols of duty and morality. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2024

Nolan’s film Oppenheimer doesn’t offer much insight into Robert’s thoughts on science and peace or science and human morality. —Kc Cole, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024

Israel’s actions are not subject to moral examination but are presumed to define morality. —Steve Koppman, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing morality

• morality play

Kids Definition

morality

noun

mo·​ral·​i·​ty mə-ˈral-ət-ē 

plural moralities

1

: moral quality : virtue

judge the morality of an action

2

: a system of moral rules