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

Over time, this lack of recognition can lead to frustration, lowered morale, and even resentment. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

This has spurred debates about the long-term impacts of wage stagnation on the economy and workforce morale. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024

The Secretary of the Air Force will brief on the potential implications for discipline, morale, unity, and the implications for airtight equipment. —Marni Rose McFall, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Over the past two years morale had severely eroded in the army, said the source, who requested anonymity because of fear of retribution. —Jonathan Spicer and Maya Gebeily, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024

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

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