ungodly

/ʌnˈɡɒdli/ (bre, ipa) · [ənɡˈɔdli] /ʌnˈɡɑːdli/ (ame, ipa) · [ənɡˈɔdli] /ˌən-ˈgäd-lē How to pronounce ungodly (audio) also -ˈgȯd-/ (ame, mw)

ungodly — adjective

  • ungodlypositive
  • more ungodlycomparative
  • most ungodlysuperlative

1. used to describe something that is unreasonably large, loud, early, or extreme i

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe something that is unreasonably large, loud, early, or extreme in a way that bothers or surprises people

例句

Chiara woke at an ungodly hour to catch the first bus to her sister's wedding.

collocation: ungodly hour — very early or late

The neighbours' party made an ungodly noise that kept everyone awake until three.

collocation: ungodly noise — unreasonably loud

同義詞
  • outrageous

    similar level of intensity, but 'outrageous' focuses more on unfairness than extremity

  • unreasonable

    milder; 'ungodly' is stronger and more colourful

  • god-awful

    even more informal and emphatic, mostly British English

反義詞
  • reasonable

    the opposite quality — fair and acceptable rather than extreme

文法句型

ungodly + noun (hour, amount, noise)

用法筆記

This sense is always used informally and almost always appears before a noun (attributive position). Common in complaint-style sentences about time, cost, noise, or quantity.

常見錯誤

❌I woke up at an ungodly hour' (when you mean a reasonable time like 7 a.m.).
✅Reserve 'ungodly' for truly extreme times
💡before 5 a.m. or after midnight. — The word implies that the time is unfairly or unreasonably early/late.

2. showing no respect for God or religious faith; doing what is morally evil or sin

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing no respect for God or religious faith; doing what is morally evil or sinful

例句

The old town records describe him as an ungodly man who never entered a church.

Rohan's grandparents believed that dancing on a Sunday was an ungodly activity.

attributive: ungodly + noun for disapproved behaviour

同義詞
  • impious

    more formal and specific to lack of religious reverence

  • sinful

    broader — can be religious or moral; more common in everyday language

  • wicked

    stronger emotional charge; often used in storytelling

反義詞
  • godly

    the direct opposite — showing respect for God and religious principles

  • pious

    devoutly religious; sometimes carries a hint of self-righteousness

文法句型

ungodly + noun (person, act, behaviour)

用法筆記

This is the original meaning of 'ungodly'. Today it sounds old-fashioned or literary, especially outside religious writing. In modern conversation, 'ungodly' is far more common in the colloquial sense (sense 1).

常見錯誤

❌He lived an ungodly life' (when you just mean an unhealthy or highly unusual lifestyle).
✅Use it only for morally or religiously objectionable behaviour, not for merely unconventional habits.
💡'Ungodly' has a strong judgemental tone rooted in religious disapproval.