SINFUL

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does sinful mean? 

• SINFUL (adjective)
  The adjective SINFUL has 3 senses:

1. characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin

2. having committed unrighteous acts

3. far more than usual or expected

  Familiarity information: SINFUL used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SINFUL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin

Synonyms:

iniquitous; sinful; ungodly

Context example:

ungodly acts

Similar:

wicked (morally bad in principle or practice)

Derivation:

sinfulness (estrangement from god)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having committed unrighteous acts

Synonyms:

sinful; unholy; wicked

Context example:

a sinful person

Similar:

unrighteous (not righteous)

Derivation:

sinfulness (estrangement from god)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Far more than usual or expected

Synonyms:

extraordinary; over-the-top; sinful

Context example:

it was an over-the-top experience

Similar:

immoderate (beyond reasonable limits)

 Context examples 

“Or she would be proud, if it wasn't sinful, Master Copperfield.”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“Come in, Mr. Fidelio. Every man to his own taste, and six drops to the half-pint seems a sinful watering of grog—but if you like it so, you shall have it.”

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Again Mr. Rochester propounded his query: Is the wandering and sinful, but now rest-seeking and repentant, man justified in daring the world's opinion, in order to attach to him for ever this gentle, gracious, genial stranger, thereby securing his own peace of mind and regeneration of life?

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I hope Mr. W. will repent, and Miss W., and all of that sinful lot. You've been visited with affliction, and I hope it may do you good; but you'd better have come here.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)