Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking in morality; immoral; unprincipled: Describes a person, action, or behavior that goes against accepted moral principles or ethical standards.
   • Irreligious; without religion: Describes a person who does not follow or believe in any religion, or a perspective that is devoid of religious faith.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Hành động đó thật là vô đạo. (That action is truly immoral.)
  • Ông ta bị coi là một kẻ vô đạo. (He is considered an unprincipled person.)
  • Anh ấy sống một cuộc đời vô đạo, không tin vào thần thánh nào. (He lives an irreligious life, not believing in any deity.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in philosophical or social critiques to condemn behavior perceived as fundamentally corrupt or unjust.
• In historical or literary contexts, it might be used to label someone as a heretic or infidel from a specific religious viewpoint.

Variants and Related Words

• Vô đạo đức (adj): Unethical; immoral. This compound form emphasizes the ethical dimension more strongly.
  • Lời nói dối đó hoàn toàn vô đạo đức. (That lie is completely unethical.)

Synonyms

• Immoral: Not conforming to accepted standards of morality.
• Unprincipled: Lacking moral principles.
• Irreligious: Indifferent or hostile to religion.
• Godless: Not believing in a god or deity; often with a negative connotation.

Related Idioms

• Kẻ vô đạo: An immoral/irreligious wretch; a common phrase used to strongly condemn someone's character.
  • Thằng vô đạo đó đã lừa dối cả gia đình mình. (That immoral wretch deceived his own family.)