dissolute

[dis-uh-loot]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR dissolute ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

indifferent to moral restraints; given to immoral or improper conduct; licentious; dissipated.

Origin of dissolute

1350–1400; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin dissolūtus (past participle of dissolvere to dissolve). See dis-¹, solute

Related formsdis·so·lute·ly, adverbdis·so·lute·ness, nounun·dis·so·lute, adjective

Can be confuseddesolate dissolute (see synonym study at desolate)

Synonyms for dissolute

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR dissolute ON THESAURUS.COM

corrupt, loose, debauched, wanton, abandoned.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for dissolute

abandoned, corrupt, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissipated, evil, fast, intemperate, lascivious, lax, lecherous, lewd, libertine, licentious, light, loose, open, player, profligate

Examples from the Web for dissolute

Contemporary Examples of dissolute

On his execution, state media accused Jang of leading a "dissolute, depraved life" and running up £6.4 million in gambling debts.
The Women Behind the Throne in North Korea's 'Empire of Horror'
The Telegraph
December 15, 2013
Even if they do not manage to take and hold power, they are examples of the dissolute lives that sons of dictators often lead.
Dictators' Sons, From Egypt to Libya, Are Doomed
Stephen Kinzer
February 9, 2011

Historical Examples of dissolute

It sent him off in a rage, with all his crew of dissolute followers.
Cameos from English History, from Rollo to Edward II
Charlotte Mary Yonge
Badman continues a loose blackguard, extravagant, idle and dissolute.
Bunyan
James Anthony Froude
He was accused of dissolute conduct, and was superseded in his office by Du Poizat.
A Zola Dictionary
J. G. Patterson
The worst was, that the dissolute life he led grievously affected the business.
Fruitfulness
Emile Zola
The dissolute men who have written verses have not been great poets.
The Poetical Works of William Collins
William Collins

British Dictionary definitions for dissolute

dissolute

adjective

given to dissipation; debauched

Derived Formsdissolutely, adverbdissoluteness, noun

Word Origin for dissolute

C14: from Latin dissolūtus loose, from dissolvere to dissolve

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for dissolute

adj.

late 14c., "loose, negligent, morally or religiously lax," from Latin dissolutus "loose, disconnected," past participle of dissolvere "loosen up" (see dissolve). A figurative use of the classical Latin word. Related: Dissolutely; dissoluteness.