Usage
What does righteousness mean? Righteousness is the quality of being virtuous, honorable, or morally right. It can also refer to such behavior. Righteousness is the noun form of the adjective righteous. Being righteous means doing what is right—obeying the law or adhering to morals. Both righteous and righteousness are often used in a religious context. Example: It’s not easy to follow the path of righteousness—in fact, if an action is difficult to take, it’s probably right!
Etymology
Origin of righteousness
First recorded before 900; Middle English rightwisnes(se), Old English rihtwīsnes; equivalent to righteous + -ness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For me, empathy and that elusive righteousness is about restoring lost dignity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025
Instead, he seems as if he’s trying to lacquer on a veneer of righteousness to some very nasty business.
From Slate • Nov. 20, 2025
In a society still influenced by Confucian values such as righteousness and obedience, mental health issues remain heavily stigmatised and many experience feelings of shame or social judgement.
From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025
Based on an especially tough-minded piece of writing, this is a film that will get you contemplating pettiness and righteousness both.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025
There’s something behind all this, something what’s trying to bring righteousness into it.”
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
