righteousness

UK: /ˈraɪtʃəsnɪs/ US: (rī′chəs nis)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

right•eous•ness  (rī′chəs nis), n. 

1. the quality or state of being righteous.
2. righteous conduct.
3. the quality or state of being just or rightful:
   They came to realize the righteousness of her position on the matter.

• Middle English rightwisnes(se), Old English rihtwīsnes. See righteous, -ness bef. 900

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

right•eous /ˈraɪtʃəs/   adj. 

1. having just cause for something;
   justifiable:
   righteous indignation at being accused falsely.
2. of or relating to an upright, proper, or moral way of life;
   virtuous.
3. [Slang.] genuinely good:
   some righteous playing by a jazz great.

right•eous•ly, adv. 
right•eous•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

right•eous  (rī′chəs), adj. 

1. characterized by uprightness or morality:
   a righteous observance of the law.
2. morally right or justifiable:
   righteous indignation.
3. acting in an upright, moral way;
   virtuous:
   a righteous and godly person.
4. Slang Terms absolutely genuine or wonderful:
   some righteous playing by a jazz great.

n. 

5. the righteous, (used with a pl. v.) righteous persons collectively.

• bef. 900; earlier rightwos, rightwis (remodeled with -ous), Middle English; Old English rihtwīs. See right, wise²

right′eous•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 3. good, honest, fair, right.

Antonyms

• 3. evil, wicked.