sinful

Sinful is an adjective used to describe actions, thoughts, or intentions that are considered wrong or morally transgressing according to a religious tradition or moral code. The term conveys condemnation of conduct viewed as contrary to divine commands or established ethical norms, and it can be applied to specific acts, to entire behaviors, or to people perceived as inclined toward wrongdoing. In everyday language, it can carry strong moral coloring.

Etymology: From Old English synn 'sin' plus the suffix -ful; the form is attested in medieval English and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch zondig and German sündig, reflecting a shared concept of moral transgression across these languages.

Religious usage: In Christian contexts, sin is conceived as a violation of God's law, with interpretations ranging from objective acts to human nature's fallen state. Sinful describes acts deemed mortal or venial, depending on tradition, and is often linked to phrases such as "sinful nature" or "the wages of sin." Other faiths describe similar notions of wrongdoing, though terminology varies.

Secular and cultural usage: In non-religious contexts, sinful is frequently used rhetorically to emphasize indulgence or excess, as in "sinfully rich chocolate" or "sinfully delicious." In modern discourse it can function as a hyperbolic intensifier rather than a literal claim about morality.

See also: sin, morality, ethics, temptation, transgression.