morale

American  

[muh-ral] / məˈræl /

noun

1. emotional or mental condition with respect to cheerfulness, confidence, zeal, etc., especially in the face of opposition, hardship, etc..

   the morale of the troops.

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morale British  

/ mɒˈrɑːl /

noun

1. the degree of mental or moral confidence of a person or group; spirit of optimism

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Etymology

Origin of morale

First recorded in 1745–55; from French, noun use of feminine of moral “custom”; see origin at moral

Explanation

Morale is the spirit a group has that makes them want to succeed. It's a sense of well-being that comes from confidence, usefulness, and purpose. We often talk about the morale of groups in tough situations, and we can describe them as having "good morale" or "low morale." If too many members of a combat unit are killed and the surviving soldiers start to doubt they’ll make it home alive, then their morale is very very low. We can also talk about individual morale. In order to succeed, a sailor on a solo trip around the world needs plenty of ways to keep her morale up.

Example Sentences

Appeared in the May 6, 2026, print edition as 'The Lawsuits Will Continue Until Morale Improves'.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Morale is at an “all-time low,” said one 30-year veteran, adding, “The cause is at the top.”

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

"Morale is down as far as park service employees, which I think you can sense a little bit in the park," said fellow climber Robbie Brown.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

"The hero city of Chernihiv did not give up and is not going to give up. Morale is high."

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Morale was low because Cluny had ordered no retaliation until after midday.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• attitude
• mood
• resolve
• self-confidence
• spirit