mortal sin

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. a willfully committed, serious transgression against the law of God, depriving the soul of divine grace.

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mortal sin British  

noun

1. Christianity a sin regarded as involving total loss of grace Compare venial sin

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Example Sentences

That would be considered a mortal sin by the vast majority of football fandom.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

“Normally, I’m like, ‘I don’t want to do that,’” says Jackman, over Zoom from a New York hotel room, as if he’s confessing a mortal sin.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

The purpose of earthly life for a good 16th-century Christian was to prepare for life with God in heaven, their soul cleansed of mortal sin.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2025

Most of us have been taught from a young age that failing to stretch before or after exercising is akin to a mortal sin.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2022

At one point Perot, believing his motives had been misinterpreted and hoping to convince people that improving education in Texas was not a mortal sin, contemplated coming to Odessa to speak.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger