Meaning & Definition of word "Unholy"

Unholy

/ʌnˈhoʊli/

adjective:

  • 1. Not holy; sinful or wicked.
    • Example: The unholy alliance between the two rival factions shocked everyone.
  • 2. Impious; lacking in reverence for God or sacred things.
    • Example: His unholy laughter echoed through the empty church.
  • 3. Involving, characterized by, or showing moral wrongness.
    • Example: The unholy practices of the cult disturbed the local community.

Etymology

Middle English, from 'un-' (not) + 'holy' (sacred).

Common Phrases and Expressions

unholy alliance:

A partnership that is unethical or morally questionable.

unholy terror:

A person or thing that is extremely frightening or evil.

unholy war:

A conflict driven by immoral motives or without justification.

Related Words

holy:

Dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose.

sacrilege:

Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.

Slang Meanings of unholy

Meaning: Something considered extremely wicked or outrageous.

Example Sentence: That movie was an unholy mess of clichés.

Meaning: Referring to something delightfully mischievous or fun.

Example Sentence: We had an unholy amount of fun at the party.