deadly sins
C1Formal / Literary / Religious
Definition
Meaning
In Christian theology, a classification of seven major vices or character flaws considered to be the root of all other sins and leading to damnation.
A set of fundamental moral failings or cardinal faults, often used metaphorically to refer to major, serious errors or unethical behaviours in any context, beyond the strictly religious.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term refers to a fixed, historical list: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. It is a compound noun treated as plural and used with the definite article 'the'. Its figurative use treats them as archetypal, egregious failings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept and term are identical. Spelling differences only apply to the word 'sins' (same).
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is religious/historical. In secular figurative use, it often carries a slightly ironic or hyperbolic tone.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in both, found in theological, ethical, literary, and journalistic contexts. Slightly more prevalent in cultural commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The + deadly sins + of + [field/domain] (e.g., the deadly sins of journalism)to commit/avoid/confess + the deadly sinsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] is the eighth deadly sin (humorous hyperbole for a strongly disliked modern behaviour)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically in leadership/management literature, e.g., 'The seven deadly sins of project management include poor communication and scope creep.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, ethics, philosophy, history, and literary analysis to discuss medieval thought, moral frameworks, and their cultural legacy.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. May appear in cultural references, jokes, or hyperbolic self-criticism, e.g., 'Eating that whole cake was one of the deadly sins.'
Technical
A precise term in Christian theology and moral philosophy denoting the seven chief vices from which others originate.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- NA - The term is a compound noun and not used as a verb.
American English
- NA - The term is a compound noun and not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- NA
American English
- NA
adjective
British English
- NA - 'Deadly' functions as an adjective, but 'deadly sins' is a noun phrase. One might say 'a deadly-sin approach to classification' (hyphenated attributive).
American English
- NA - 'Deadly' functions as an adjective, but 'deadly sins' is a noun phrase. One might say 'a deadly-sin analysis' (hyphenated attributive).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest talked about the seven deadly sins in church.
- Pride is one of the deadly sins.
- In the Middle Ages, artists often created paintings depicting the seven deadly sins.
- He joked that checking his phone constantly was becoming a new deadly sin.
- The novel's protagonist clearly embodies several of the deadly sins, most notably greed and envy.
- The article described the 'seven deadly sins of modern marketing', using the classic concept as a framework for critique.
- Scholars debate whether Dante's structure in the *Inferno* was influenced more by the Aristotelian categories of incontinence or the traditional schema of the deadly sins.
- The CEO's keynote speech cleverly analogised corporate complacency to the deadly sin of sloth, urging a culture of innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the list with the acronym 'PEGS LLaW': Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, Lust, Avarice (greed), Wrath. Or think of a deadly 'SIN' as being particularly 'Seriously Immoral Negligence' at its core.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIN IS A DISEASE / POISON / DEBT (deadly sins are the most virulent strain, the fatal poison, the principal debt). MORAL FAILING IS A FALL / STAIN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The direct translation 'смертные грехи' is accurate. No trap. Ensure 'deadly' is not confused with 'fatal' in a medical sense; here it means 'causing spiritual death'. The concept is directly borrowed into Russian religious vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a singular ('a deadly sin') when referring to the specific historical set (usually 'the deadly sins'). Incorrectly calling other sins 'deadly sins' outside the metaphorical extension. Confusing with 'venial sins' (less serious).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT traditionally one of the seven deadly sins?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are pride, greed (avarice), wrath (anger), envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth (acedia).
The seven deadly sins are categories of vice. A 'mortal sin' is a specific, grave act committed with full knowledge and consent that destroys charity in the soul. A deadly sin is the underlying vice that leads to mortal sins.
Yes, it is frequently used metaphorically in secular contexts (e.g., business, politics, sports) to label a set of fundamental and serious errors or unethical practices in that field.
The list was formalised by Christian theologians, notably Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, evolving from earlier Greek and Desert Fathers' teachings on evil thoughts.