What is immoral? Pronunciation and usage in English

immoral means . Learn how to pronounce and use immoral through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of immoral

immoraladjective

/ɪˈmɒrəl/
Definition & pronunciation of immoral

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "immoral" in English. Here's a breakdown, with phonetic spellings to help:

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) - The most accurate:

  • i - as in "bit" (short "i" sound)
  • m - as in "mom"
  • o - as in "go" (short "o" sound)
  • r - as in "run" (a strong, rolled "r" is ideal, but a regular "r" is acceptable)
  • al - as in "fall"

So, putting it together: ˈɪmɔːrəl (the stress is on the first syllable - "im")

Simplified Pronunciation (for English speakers):

  • im – like "him"
  • or – as in "more"
  • al – as in "pal"

Putting it together: "im-or-al" with a slightly emphasized "im."

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Roll the 'r': If you can, lightly rolling your "r" sound after the "m" and "l" makes it sound more natural and closer to how native speakers pronounce it.
  • Stress: Emphasize the first syllable ("im").
  • Short Vowels: Make sure the "i" and "o" sounds are short and crisp, not drawn out.

Resources to hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "immoral"?

Usage and examples with the word immoral in English

Let's break down how to use the word "immoral" effectively in English. It's a strong word with a specific meaning, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. What Does "Immoral" Mean?

"Immoral" means lacking a sense of right and wrong; not conforming to accepted moral standards. It goes beyond simply "bad" or "wrong." It implies a fundamental deviation from what is considered ethical, just, or virtuous. It suggests a disregard for principles of good character and behavior.

2. How to Use "Immoral" in Sentences:

Here are several ways to incorporate "immoral" into your sentences, with examples:

  • Describing Actions:

    • "His decision to lie to protect his friend was immoral." (Focuses on the act itself)
    • "She found the factory's treatment of its workers to be immoral." (Highlights a system of behavior)
    • “He committed an immoral act of violence.” (States a severe violation of ethics)

  • Describing a Person:

    • "He is an immoral individual, consistently prioritizing his own desires over the well-being of others." (Describes a character trait – often used judgmentally)
    • "Some critics argued that the politician's actions were immoral and undermined public trust." (Suggests a perception of their moral character)

  • Describing Systems or Practices:

    • "The exploitation of child labor is a deeply immoral practice." (Highlights the negativity of a bigger system)
    • “The pursuit of wealth at any cost is an immoral economic system." (Critiques an entire system)

3. Important Nuances and Considerations:

  • Subjectivity: “Moral” is often subjective. What one person considers immoral, another might not. Be aware of this when using the word – it implies a certain established standard.
  • Strong Word – Use Carefully: "Immoral" is a powerful word. Don't use it lightly. It’s best suited for situations where you’re discussing serious ethical violations or fundamentally flawed conduct.
  • Alternatives: Sometimes, a less intense word might be more appropriate. Consider these alternatives:
    • Unethical: Focuses on a violation of rules or codes of conduct.
    • Wrong: A general term for something that is not correct.
    • Reprehensible: Deserving strong condemnation.
    • Base: Suggests low moral character.
    • Sinful: Often used in a religious context.

4. Examples Demonstrating Different Contexts:

  • Legal Context: "The lawyer’s actions, accepting bribes to influence a verdict, were deemed immoral and illegal.”
  • Philosophical Context: “Many philosophers have debated the origins of immoral behavior and whether it is inherent in human nature.”
  • Everyday Conversation: "I felt it was immoral to hoard all the food when others were going hungry."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., essay, story, email, etc.)
  • What is the specific context in which you want to use the word "immoral"? (e.g., describing a character, analyzing a situation, arguing a point)

Synonyms for the word immoral

Practice with vocabulary immoral

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many argue that deceiving customers for financial gain is fundamentally __________.
  2. The journalist exposed the politician's __________ activities, which included bribery and abuse of power.
  3. While not strictly illegal, it is considered __________ to share confidential company information with competitors.
  4. The company faced a public backlash due to its __________ decision to lay off hundreds of employees just before the holidays while executives received large bonuses.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions would generally be considered immoral? (Select all that apply) a) Breaking a minor traffic law b) Spreading malicious lies to damage someone's reputation c) Forgetting to return a borrowed item d) Cheating on an exam

  2. A business practice that exploits vulnerable populations for profit is best described as: a) Inefficient b) Immoral c) Unpopular d) Innovative

  3. If a government engages in actions that intentionally cause severe harm to its own citizens, such actions are unequivocally: a) Strategic b) Immoral c) Expedient d) Provisional

  4. Which term most accurately describes an individual who lacks a sense of right and wrong, rather than actively choosing wrong? a) Immoral b) Unethical c) Amoral d) Conscienceless

  5. Which of the following describes an act that violates a company's internal code of conduct but may not be against the law or a universally accepted moral principle? a) Illegal b) Immoral c) Unethical d) Reckless

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is fundamentally wrong to inflict suffering upon innocent beings. Rewrite using "immoral":

  2. Original: The organization's disregard for human rights was widely condemned. Rewrite using "immorality" or an adjective form of "immoral":

  3. Original: Many customers found the company's aggressive sales tactics unacceptable. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "immoral"):

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. immoral
  2. immoral
  3. unethical
  4. unjust

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Spreading malicious lies to damage someone's reputation, d) Cheating on an exam
  2. b) Immoral
  3. b) Immoral
  4. c) Amoral
  5. c) Unethical

Exercise 3:

  1. Inflicting suffering upon innocent beings is fundamentally immoral.
  2. The organization's blatant immorality regarding human rights was widely condemned. (or: The organization was widely condemned for its immoral disregard for human rights.)
  3. Many customers found the company's aggressive sales tactics reprehensible.

Comment ()