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

Recognizing progress, even during tough times, reinforces a sense of accomplishment and boosts morale. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Once the news was released the New York Mets signed New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, the morale in the Bronx reached a new low. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

In other words, it’s been a dismal year for morale. —Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

During the war, the late Queen spent the holiday there with her family, famously staging pantomimes each year in an attempt to keep morale high. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 18 Dec. 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