unrighteous

/' n'rait s/

Thân thiện

An unrighteous king imposes heavy taxes on the poor.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not righteous; wicked or sinful: Describes a person, action, or principle that is morally wrong, unjust, or not in accordance with what is considered right and good.
   • Unjust or unfair: Refers to laws, judgments, or systems that lack justice or equity.

Usage

The adjective "unrighteous" is used to describe people, their actions, or abstract concepts (like laws) that are morally corrupt, sinful, or unjust. It is a formal term often found in religious, legal, or literary contexts to emphasize a strong moral failing. It is the direct opposite of "righteous."

Examples

• Describing a person:
  • He was condemned as an unrighteous ruler who oppressed the poor.
  • The parable contrasts the prayers of a righteous man and an unrighteous man.
• Describing an action or thing:
  • The court's decision was deemed unrighteous and sparked public outrage.
  • They protested against the unrighteous law that discriminated against minorities.

Advanced Usage

• "The unrighteous": Used as a plural noun to refer collectively to people who are wicked or sinful.
  • The scripture speaks of the final judgment separating the righteous from the unrighteous.
• "Unrighteous anger/indignation": Anger that is not justified or is based on selfish or sinful motives.
  • His outburst was driven by unrighteous indignation rather than a concern for justice.

Variants and Related Words

• Unrighteously (adverb): In an unrighteous manner.
  • He acted unrighteously to gain an advantage.
• Unrighteousness (noun): The state or quality of being unrighteous; wickedness.
  • The prophet spoke out against the unrighteousness of the city.

Synonyms

• Wicked
• Sinful
• Ungodly
• Immoral
• Unjust
• Iniquitous

Antonyms

• Righteous
• Virtuous
• Just
• Moral
• Godly

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The way of the unrighteous": A biblical phrase referring to the lifestyle and ultimate fate of those who reject moral law.
  • The psalm warns that the way of the unrighteous will perish.
• "Mammon of unrighteousness": A biblical idiom (Luke 16:9) referring to worldly wealth, often gained or used unjustly.
  • He was accused of serving the mammon of unrighteousness rather than ethical principles.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not righteous
   • an unrighteous man
   • an unrighteous law