total depravity

American  

noun

1. the Calvinist doctrine that humankind's entire nature, including its reason, is corrupt or sinful as a result of the Fall and that people are therefore completely dependent on God for regeneration.

---

total depravity British  

noun

1. Calvinist the doctrine that man's nature is totally corrupt as a result of the Fall

---

Etymology

Origin of total depravity

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

It’s just hard to believe that it steered a slightly crooked, often endearing and largehearted man into total depravity.

From New York Times

But the earlier Fathers did not connect the notion of the vicarious atonement with that of original sin and total depravity.

From Project Gutenberg

He can never resist the temptation to draw a moral, and his dogmatic bias in favor of the doctrine of total depravity is only too evident.

From Project Gutenberg

Honor, justice, mercy, reason and charity were all exiled, but the five points of predestination, particular redemption, irresistible grace, total depravity, and the certain perseverance of the saints remained instead.

From Project Gutenberg

They enjoyed his confusion when charged with total depravity.

From Project Gutenberg