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

On Sunday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast: Over two years into Russia’s war in Ukraine have left the country and its soldiers running short of ammunition, weapons, manpower, money, and worst of all, morale. —Shannon Rae Green, USA TODAY, 23 June 2024

Employee morale improved tremendously, almost immediately after Iacocca took over, and everyone took a voluntary pay cut to help with the company’s financial difficulties. —David Krumboltz, The Mercury News, 23 June 2024

Since nationwide anti-police riots erupted across the country in 2020 after Floyd's death, morale, recruitment and retention in departments have plummeted, experts say. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 23 June 2024

The purpose of Cultural Forces isn’t just to boost morale or thank Americans but also to showcase Ukrainian culture and music. —Alex Haddon, The Indianapolis Star, 21 June 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