total depravity

American  

noun

1. the Calvinist doctrine that humankind's entire nature, including its reason, is corrupt or sinful as a result of the Fall and that people are therefore completely dependent on God for regeneration.

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total depravity British  

noun

1. Calvinist the doctrine that man's nature is totally corrupt as a result of the Fall

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Etymology

Origin of total depravity

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

It’s just hard to believe that it steered a slightly crooked, often endearing and largehearted man into total depravity.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2022

But obviously being raised with the doctrine of total depravity, which Calvinists believe in—once you’re raised that way, you tend to feel guilty.

From Slate • Jun. 13, 2018

Dancing was total depravity to Picasso, who was otherwise unbothered by convention.

From Time Magazine Archive

Those who are excluded from hope, are necessarily excluded from virtue; the loss of reputation, we see, is almost always followed by total depravity.

From Practical Education, Volume I by Edgeworth, Maria

They enjoyed his confusion when charged with total depravity.

From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 11 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Miscellany by Ingersoll, Robert Green