cardinal sin
Britishnoun
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theol any of the seven deadly sins
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informal an unforgivable error or misjudgment
lack of impartiality is considered a cardinal sin in broadcasting circles
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.
Before Robby and Al-Hashimi engage in any real ideological tussles, though, she commits the cardinal sin of suggesting they change the trauma center’s nickname to something else.
From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026
As Justice Sonia Sotomayor explained, this test favored certain denominations over others based on subjective judgments about their theological practices—a cardinal sin under the First Amendment’s establishment clause.
From Slate • Jun. 16, 2025
Attributing consciousness to animals based on their responses was seen as a cardinal sin.
From BBC • Jun. 15, 2024
If you’re an opinion journalist, a cardinal sin is to express a view you really don’t believe — or stoop to fabrication.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2023
It would have been a cardinal sin to cover up those luscious chestnut locks.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
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.
