seven deadly sins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Theological, Figurative/Informal (when used metaphorically).
Quick answer
What does “seven deadly sins” mean?
In Christian theology, a list of seven vices or moral failings that are considered fundamental sources of sin: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Christian theology, a list of seven vices or moral failings that are considered fundamental sources of sin: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
A widely used cultural metaphor for any set of fundamental vices or excessive, self-destructive behaviours in an individual, organisation, or society. Often used informally to describe common human failings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or list. The concept is equally recognised. Spelling of associated words may differ (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior').
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with formal religious education in historically Anglican UK contexts. In the US, it is a common cultural reference in media and popular discourse.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in religious and figurative contexts. The metaphorical use is common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “seven deadly sins” in a Sentence
[The] seven deadly sins [of + NOUN PHRASE]to be guilty of the deadly sin of [NOUN]to commit the deadly sin of [GERUND/NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seven deadly sins” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rarely verbed) 'He seems to be deadlying-sinning his way through life.' (informal, non-standard)
American English
- (Rarely verbed) 'The article deadlied-sins the company's recent strategy.' (informal, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare) He acted seven-deadly-sins foolishly.
American English
- (Extremely rare) The team performed slothfully, almost seven-deadly-sins slowly.
adjective
British English
- A seven-deadly-sins approach to analysing corporate culture.
- His behaviour was almost a textbook deadly-sin example of pride.
American English
- The film is a seven-deadly-sins style anthology.
- She gave me a deadly-sin look of envy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The consultant warned against the seven deadly sins of start-up management: arrogance, poor cash-flow control, etc."
Academic
"The paper traces the evolution of the concept of the seven deadly sins from early monastic writings to Dante's *Divine Comedy*."
Everyday
"Eating that whole cake by myself feels like a deadly sin!" (humorous, metaphorical)
Technical
"In Thomistic theology, the seven deadly sins are understood as the perverse ends sought by human appetite."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seven deadly sins”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seven deadly sins”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seven deadly sins”
- Using lowercase inconsistently when referring to the formal list (prefer capitals: Seven Deadly Sins).
- Confusing 'deadly sins' with 'mortal sins'. All deadly sins are serious, but not every mortal sin is one of the seven capital vices.
- Misordering or misremembering the list (standard order is: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, sloth).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not as a specific list. The list was developed later by Christian theologians, notably Evagrius Ponticus and Pope Gregory I, drawing on various biblical principles about sin.
A 'deadly sin' (or capital vice) is a fundamental vice that leads to other sins. A 'mortal sin' is a specific grave act that, committed with full knowledge and consent, severs one's relationship with God. Deadly sins are categories of cause; mortal sins are categories of act.
Yes, very commonly. It's used metaphorically in business, psychology, and everyday language to describe a set of core failings or excesses in any field (e.g., 'the seven deadly sins of project management').
In Christian theology, pride (superbia) is traditionally considered the original and most serious sin, as it places the self above God and is seen as the root from which many other sins grow.
In Christian theology, a list of seven vices or moral failings that are considered fundamental sources of sin: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
Seven deadly sins is usually formal, literary, theological, figurative/informal (when used metaphorically). in register.
Seven deadly sins: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsev.ən ˌded.li ˈsɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsev.ən ˌded.li ˈsɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A walking compendium of the seven deadly sins.”
- “He's ticking off the deadly sins one by one.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
**P**ride **G**reed **W**rath **E**nvy **L**ust **G**luttony **S**loth → People Go Wrong, Enjoying Life's Great Sweets (first letters match).
Conceptual Metaphor
SIN/FAILURE IS A DISEASE (deadly, mortal), VICE IS A BURDEN/WEIGHT, MORAL LIFE IS A JOURNEY (with pitfalls).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT traditionally one of the Seven Deadly Sins?