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

Don’t Withhold The Truth To Protect Morale My advice is to never confuse protecting morale with withholding the truth. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Employees also reported heavier workloads, lower morale and lost trust in leadership following layoffs. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

The former sheriff claimed Luna has presided over a deep decline in department morale and staffing while being too soft on drug users, the homeless and petty criminals. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Burks, who spent her youth in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, has said morale is low in Sorrells’ DA’s office. — Emerson Clarridge updated November 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

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
• locale
• royale
• artisanal
• 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