immoral
UK: ɪˈmɒrəl | US: ɪˈmɔːrəl
adj. not conforming to accepted standards of morality; unethical or wicked.
immoral = im<not> + moral<ethical>
- im: A prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of," derived from Latin in- (negation).
- moral: From Latin moralis ("relating to manners or character"), itself from mos ("custom, habit").
Etymology Origin:
The word "immoral" combines the negative prefix im- (a variant of in- before "m") with "moral," reflecting a direct opposition to ethical principles. The Latin root moralis ties to societal customs, making "immoral" literally mean "not conforming to societal ethics." This construction highlights how English borrows and adapts Latin elements to create clear, logical opposites.
Lying to gain advantage is widely considered immoral.
The novel explores the consequences of immoral decisions.
His actions were deemed immoral by the community.
The debate focused on whether the law was unjust or simply immoral.
She refused to participate in what she saw as an immoral practice.