contrition

American  

[kuhn-trish-uhn] / kənˈtrɪʃ ən /

noun

1. sincere penitence or remorse.

   Synonyms:

   regret, compunction

2. Theology. sorrow for and detestation of sin with a true purpose of amendment, arising from a love of God for His own perfections perfect contrition, or from some inferior motive, as fear of divine punishment imperfect contrition.

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contrition British  

/ kənˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. deeply felt remorse; penitence

2. Christianity detestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God ( perfect contrition ) or from hope of heaven ( imperfect contrition )

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Etymology

Origin of contrition

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English contricio(u)n, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin contrītiōn-, stem of contrītiō “grief,” literally, “a wearing down”; equivalent to contrite + -ion

Example Sentences

When Paul pressed him again about his lack of apology, lack of contrition, and inability to even say he “misspoke,” while ribbing him about his “low impulse control” and presentation of “machismo,” Mullin didn’t waver.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

The novel’s universe is finally too faint to bear the weight of whatever message about judgment and contrition Mr. Saunders hopes to communicate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

At her sentencing, Peters repeatedly insulted the judge and never showed an ounce of contrition.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

And the old political playbook — confession, contrition, capitulation — is obviously no longer operative, as candidates find it not only possible but even advantageous to brazen their way through storms of uproar and opprobrium.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

He made his act of contrition and listened as Father Mulrooney gave his sacramental absolution.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Related Words

• humiliation
• penance
• penitence
• remorse
• repentance
• sorrow