Usage
What does righteousness mean? Righteousness is the quality of being virtuous, honorable, or morally right. It can also refer to such behavior.Righteousness is the noun form of the adjective righteous. Being righteous means doing what is right—obeying the law or adhering to morals. Both righteous and righteousness are often used in a religious context.Example: It’s not easy to follow the path of righteousness—in fact, if an action is difficult to take, it’s probably right!
Etymology
Origin of righteousness
First recorded before 900; Middle English rightwisnes(se), Old English rihtwīsnes; equivalent to righteous + -ness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Alas,” Chen says, “neither virtue nor righteousness is worth a single penny in today’s China.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026
Instead, he seems as if he’s trying to lacquer on a veneer of righteousness to some very nasty business.
From Slate • Nov. 20, 2025
In a society still influenced by Confucian values such as righteousness and obedience, mental health issues remain heavily stigmatised and many experience feelings of shame or social judgement.
From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025
Despite what his parents wanted for him, Superman chose a path of righteousness, and it’s never too late to make that choice.
From Salon • Jul. 13, 2025
“And we are determined here in Montgomery,” he said, his voice rising in intensity, “to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
