Word
immoral
Phoneticsim·moral
US/ˌɪˈmɔɹəɫ/
UK/ɪmˈɒɹəl/
Definition
adj. describing behavior that is wrong or evil according to accepted standards of what is right. You use this for actions that break important moral rules.
adj. violating established principles of right and wrong; ethically unacceptable. Often used to describe conduct that is considered wicked or depraved rather than merely illegal.
Examples
“Many people believe that lying for profit is immoral.”
“The public condemned the company's decision to ignore safety warnings as deeply immoral and greedy.”
“Philosophers often debate whether an action can be legally permissible while remaining fundamentally immoral within a specific ethical framework.”
Examples
simple
“Many people believe that lying for profit is immoral.”
contextual
“The public condemned the company's decision to ignore safety warnings as deeply immoral and greedy.”
complex
“Philosophers often debate whether an action can be legally permissible while remaining fundamentally immoral within a specific ethical framework.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.
Pitfall
an amoral person
an immoral person
Learners confuse 'immoral' (violating moral rules) with 'amoral' (lacking any moral sense or being indifferent to right and wrong).
Real-World Examples
“Some French generals considered the use of dogs immoral.” “It’s about feeling that things aren’t right in the world, and that adults can do terrible or immoral things – but none of it will change you.” Etymology
From im- + moral.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/immoral