original sin
noun
1
: the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2
: a wrong of great magnitude
the original sin of slavery
Examples of original sin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Implementing pension changes without knowing the true cost is one of the original sins of past pension reforms — a grave mistake state lawmakers must not repeat this time.
—
Derek Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
The Immaculate Conception, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, is the teaching that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was herself preserved from original sin, a stain inherited from Adam that Catholics believe all other human beings are born with, from the moment of her conception.
—Dennis Doyle, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
This history is the governing party’s ultimate taboo, its unspoken original sin.
—Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
The point of this closing demonstration seems to be that mature capitalism recapitulates its original sin with every new generation.
—Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
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Derek Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
The Immaculate Conception, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, is the teaching that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was herself preserved from original sin, a stain inherited from Adam that Catholics believe all other human beings are born with, from the moment of her conception.
—Dennis Doyle, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
This history is the governing party’s ultimate taboo, its unspoken original sin.
—Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
The point of this closing demonstration seems to be that mature capitalism recapitulates its original sin with every new generation.
—Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for original sin
Cite this Entry
“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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