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

Lower morale: Motivation declines when workers feel like their efforts don’t lead to meaningful progress. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025

Basing Federal policy on truth is critical to scientific inquiry, public safety, morale, and trust in government itself. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

This soon-to-be unfolding development has the potential to give our struggling downtown a huge economic lift and an equally valuable and much-needed collateral benefit: a big morale boost for the entire city. —Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

In announcing return-to-office mandates, CEOs have cited a desire to foster employee collaboration, morale and creativity. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

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