dissolute

American  

[dis-uh-loot] / ˈdɪs əˌlut /

adjective

1. indifferent to moral restraints; given to immoral or improper conduct; licentious; dissipated.

   Synonyms:

   abandoned, wanton, debauched, loose, corrupt

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dissolute British  

/ ˈdɪsəˌluːt /

adjective

1. given to dissipation; debauched

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dissolutely
  adverb
• dissoluteness
  noun
• undissolute
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dissolute

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin dissolūtus (past participle of dissolvere “to dissolve”); see dis- ¹, solute

Explanation

The adjective dissolute means unrestrained. If you're a dissolute person, you engage in the kinds of behaviors that cause disapproval. If your mother tells you you're dissolute, she's not trying to be kind. Some kinds of unrestrained behavior are good, like if you're unrestrained by fear, and do something very brave. But someone who is dissolute not only goes against the grain of normal behavior, but is wasteful and offensive — over the limit. If you drop out of school, party all the time, and waste your life, you've chosen a dissolute lifestyle.

Example Sentences

Dissolute men pine for wives who have ditched them, and dissolute women carp at no-good boyfriends.

From New York Times • May 30, 2017

In she plunged boldly,— No matter how coldly The dark river ran,— Over the brink of it, Picture it,—think of it, Dissolute Man!

From The Ontario Readers: The High School Reader, 1886 by Ontario. Ministry of Education

Dissolute and dandified generals drawing their pay and never visiting their troops, lieutenants reveling in vice, instead of drilling and caring for their commands.

From A Political and Social History of Modern Europe V.1. by Hayes, Carlton J. H.

Dissolute comrades at Memphis won upon his good nature; but though he lent them money, he remained abstemious, working hard, and spending his leisure upon books and experiments.

From Heroes of the Telegraph by Munro, John

Dissolute Regent d'Orleans, politest, most debauched of men, and very witty, holds the helm; near him Dubois the Devil's Cardinal, and so many bright spirits.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 10 by Carlyle, Thomas