unchaste

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unchaste" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not chaste, or morally pure, virtuous, or respectable. For example: "His behavior that night was considered unchaste, and unacceptable to the other guests at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Then, rich, unchaste husbands, on the other hand, enjoyed the benefits of an official concubine system.Last year the Korea Communications Standards Commission requested that government censors block a Canadian online dating service promoting extramarital encounters ("Life is short. Have an affair") to "protect healthy sexual morals, marriage bonds and family life".

The Economist

When Jamadagni suspected Renuka of an unchaste thought, he ordered Parashurama to cut off her head, which the obedient son did.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To promote reform, Gregory held councils, issued legislation, called on the bishops and princes of the world to remove simoniac clergy, and even allowed simoniac or unchaste clergy to be rejected by the laity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The playhouses were well known for "unchaste matters, lascivious devices and other lewd and ungodly practices".

Independent

A big Facebook group is titled, "I'd like to engage in wanton and unchaste activities with Joan Holloway".

Independent

The uncertain limits of women's liberties in Leonato's household are highlighted: especially so when this patriarch, too readily believing his daughter Hero is unchaste, virtually wishes an honour killing on her.

Independent

Mother tried to prevent their little ones from even peeping at the unchaste columns of the Press.

The New Yorker

I am nineteen, and when I arrive home, in roughly twenty-four hours, there will be a pair of detectives in my bedroom, rifling through my childhood desk, my mother presiding with a bloodless terrified look that will morph into towering maternal rage, when I, clearly unchaste and impenitent, walk in with my lame excuse.

The New Yorker

Their project stirred controversy at the court of the Grand Duke of Weimar; unchaste drawings by Rodin caused particular trouble.

The New Yorker

Many collectors were American, so the scenes could not be unchaste.

The New Yorker

Some of the unchaste are punished.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unchaste" when referring to a lack of chastity or sexual purity, particularly in historical or literary contexts where the term is more common. Consider more modern or direct alternatives like "immoral" or "promiscuous" in contemporary settings.

Common error

Avoid using "unchaste" as a general term for immorality. While it implies a lack of sexual purity, it doesn't encompass all forms of unethical behavior. Use more appropriate terms like "immoral" or "unethical" when referring to broader moral failings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unchaste" primarily functions to describe a noun as lacking chastity, purity, or moral virtue, especially in a sexual context. Ludwig AI shows it's used to characterize actions, thoughts, or people that deviate from accepted standards of sexual morality, as illustrated by examples from news articles and encyclopedias.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unchaste" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that lacks chastity or is sexually impure. While grammatically correct and understood, its usage is more common in formal or historical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it carries a judgmental tone, often appearing in discussions of literature, history, and religious doctrine. The word is most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, suggesting a formal, somewhat academic register. For modern contexts, alternatives like "immoral" or "licentious" might be more appropriate depending on the specific connotation you intend to convey. It's also worth noting that, while technically valid in modern English, users must be aware of the archaic or judgmental undertones, and other more contemporary and neutral alternatives may be better suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unchaste conduct

Adds the noun 'conduct' to explicitly refer to actions deemed not chaste.

sexually impure

Directly refers to a lack of purity in a sexual context.

licentious

Emphasizes unrestrained and excessive indulgence in sexual desires.

lewd

Suggests vulgar and offensive sexuality in behavior or expression.

immoral

Focuses more broadly on a violation of moral principles, not specifically sexual conduct.

indecent

Indicates a violation of accepted standards of good taste or morality.

wanton

Suggests recklessness and lack of restraint, often in a sexual context.

promiscuous

Describes someone having many casual sexual relationships.

dissolute

Implies a disregard for moral restraints, often associated with excessive indulgence.

debauched

Implies corruption and moral degradation through excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.

FAQs

How can I use "unchaste" in a sentence?

You can use "unchaste" to describe actions, thoughts, or individuals who are not chaste or morally pure. For example: "The character was portrayed as "morally corrupt" and engaging in "unchaste" behavior."

What words can I use instead of "unchaste"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "immoral", "licentious", or "promiscuous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "unchaste" in modern English?

Yes, "unchaste" is grammatically correct, but it can sound formal or archaic. In contemporary contexts, more common terms like "sexually immoral" might be preferable.

What is the difference between "unchaste" and "immoral"?

"Unchaste" specifically refers to a lack of chastity or sexual purity, while "immoral" is a broader term encompassing any violation of moral principles. "Unchaste" is a subset of "immoral".