unbelief

noun

un·​be·​lief ˌən-bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce unbelief (audio)
: incredulity or skepticism especially in matters of religious faith

Examples of unbelief in a Sentence

living in an age of unbelief a natural-born skeptic, she typically greets the latest conspiracy theory with head-shaking unbelief
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This problem of unbelief has plagued reformers for decades. Ervand Abrahamian, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2016 The historical abnormality of modern-day unbelief was a theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s in the years before, during, and after his pontificate. Katherine Howell, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023 It’s been a bit of unbelief. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2021 Consider a subject that sounds parochial but amounts to a civilizational bellwether: the statistics on religious belief and unbelief in the 2021 censuses. David Harsanyi, National Review, 15 Dec. 2022 His Dark Materials is a kind of romance of unbelief. James Parker, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2019 When you have been taught, commanded even, to build your entire life around a community, the cost of unbelief is considerable. Amber Scorah, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2019 Decree defeat, humiliation and unbelief to the unbelievers. Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2018 But God eventually answered these prayers, and by the power of his spirit their unbelief was shattered and they were brought to Christ. Billy Graham, kansascity.com, 8 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbelief was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near unbelief

Cite this Entry

“Unbelief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbelief. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unbelief

noun
un·​be·​lief ˌən-bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce unbelief (audio)
: the withholding or absence of belief : doubt
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!