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

And that misalignment can spread quickly across teams, affecting culture, morale and outcomes. —Kiran Mann, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Examples posted on Mathis’s Facebook page include a shortage of police officers, high crime, low morale among current officers, and unqualified, overpaid city officials. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025

The interviews are a rare window into Russian military morale, underlining the domestic challenges President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would face in ending the war on terms that fall short of his maximalist goals. —Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 17 May 2025

During economic uncertainty, ensure your workplace culture and employee morale are supported, acknowledged, and clearly communicated, and regularly communicate your company’s values and priorities. —Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

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
• ghazal
• locale
• royale
• 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