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

It might offer a morale boost to active shareholders weary of the stock’s decline.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

And discontent can be contagious, ultimately having a ripple effect on worsening morale and productivity.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

But having their tight-knit group in the same building raises morale, even after weeks of play.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

The detention has also drawn criticism from advocates, who say it risks undermining morale among service members.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

No one outside of the Negro community could imagine the profound effect this action had in killing the Negro’s hope and breaking his morale.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin

Related Words

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