unvirtuous
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking moral virtue: "unvirtuous" describes a person, action, or quality that is not characterized by moral excellence, righteousness, or ethical goodness.
- Lacking chastity: In a historical or moral context, "unvirtuous" can specifically refer to a person, especially a woman, who is not chaste or sexually pure.
Usage Examples
- (The character lacks moral integrity.)
- (Her actions were considered immoral or improper.)
- (A woman who was not chaste or modest.)
Advanced Usage
"unvirtuous cycle": a situation where immoral actions lead to further negative consequences, similar to a "vicious cycle."
- The company's unvirtuous cycle of bribery and cover-ups eventually led to its collapse. (A pattern of unethical behavior causing repeated harm.)
"unvirtuous act": a specific deed that violates moral principles.
- Stealing from the poor is an unvirtuous act that cannot be justified. (An action that is morally wrong.)
Variants and Related Words
- Virtuous (adj): having or showing high moral standards.
- She is known for her virtuous character and honesty. (Morally excellent.)
- Virtue (n): behavior showing high moral standards.
- Patience is a virtue. (A positive moral quality.)
- Unvirtuously (adv): in a manner lacking virtue.
- He acted unvirtuously by betraying his friend's trust. (Immoral behavior.)
- Unvirtuousness (n): the state or quality of being unvirtuous.
- The unvirtuousness of the regime was evident in its corruption. (Lack of moral goodness.)
Synonyms
- Immoral: not conforming to accepted standards of morality.
- Unethical: not morally correct; lacking ethical principles.
- Depraved: morally corrupt; wicked.
- Sinful: involving or characterized by sin; morally wrong.
- Unchaste (specific to sexual purity): not chaste; lacking sexual purity.
Antonyms
- Virtuous: having high moral standards.
- Moral: concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior.
- Righteous: morally right or justifiable.
- Chaste: abstaining from extramarital or immoral sexual relations.
Related Idioms
- "The unvirtuous path": a way of life or course of action that involves immoral choices.
- He chose the unvirtuous path of deceit rather than honest work. (A morally wrong approach.)
Usage Notes
- "Unvirtuous" is a less common word than its opposite "virtuous." It is often used in formal, literary, or moral contexts to emphasize a lack of virtue. It can apply to actions, behaviors, or individuals. In historical texts, it frequently carried a gendered connotation regarding female chastity, but in modern usage, it is more general.