deadly sins

plural noun

1. the seven sins of pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth.

deadly sins

plural noun

1. theol the sins of pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadly sins¹

1300–50; Middle English deedly synnes

When To Use

What are the seven deadly sins?

Originating in Christian theology, the seven deadly sins are pride, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and wrath.Pride is sometimes referred to as vanity or vainglory, greed as avarice or covetousness, and wrath as anger. Gluttony covers self-indulgent excess more generally, including drunkenness.