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

There has been significant damage to command, control, morale and equipment, all without a single Israeli boot on the ground. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 23 Sep. 2024

That means the next chief will almost certainly devote a significant amount of time working to improve the morale of rank-and-file officers. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024

Conversely, common goals and values boost employee morale significantly. —Aditya Malik, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

While no peace talks are currently scheduled, Ukraine’s strategy could theoretically put it in a stronger negotiating position should talks happen, while also damaging Russia’s morale, ability to resupply, and its ability to launch devastating strikes within Ukraine. —Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 18 Sep. 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