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

Russian drones and missiles are increasingly striking everyday civilian sites — gas stations, shopping malls and apartment blocks — killing and wounding scores and aiming to disrupt life and sap Ukrainians’ morale. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The Organization Compensation leaders need to maintain a constant pulse on sales performance, morale and plan comprehension. — Matt Bartels, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Seemingly unending wars in Afghanistan and Iraq drained American morale and taxpayer dollars. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

The Odeon is not only great for people-watching during fashion week but also for a celebratory, team morale-boosting lunch after working on a show. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 8 Sep. 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