# temptation

/tɛmˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /tɛmptˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/temptation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the desire to do something wrong

noun · CEFR B2

the feeling of wanting to do something that you know is bad, wrong, or unhealthy.

For teachers: the psychological state of being enticed toward a course of action that is typically unwise, immoral, or prohibited.

- He felt a strong temptation to check his phone during the quiet movie.
- Despite his commitment to the diet, the temptation to indulge in the dessert buffet proved nearly impossible to resist.

Usage: Often followed by an infinitive ('to do') or the preposition 'of'.

### 2. an attractive thing

noun · CEFR B2

something that is very attractive and makes you want it, even if you should not have it.

For teachers: an external object, person, or situation that serves as an inducement or enticement.

- The bright toys in the shop window were a great temptation for the children.
- For a young professional in the city, the vibrant nightlife represents a constant temptation to overspend on socialising.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word is usually countable and can be used with 'a' or in the plural.

## Examples

- I couldn't resist the temptation to eat the last cookie.
- The high salary was a huge temptation, but he decided to stay at his current job for the better work-life balance.
- In many classic narratives, the protagonist must overcome a series of temptations that threaten to divert them from their moral path or ultimate goal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.