(chiefly philosophy) In ethics, the quality which makes an action dutiful or morally obligatory. / (rare) The state or characteristic of something's being as it ought to be; rightness.

The problem of whether prescriptive statements—stating what the case ought to be—can be derived from descriptive statements—stating what the case is.

Indicates disapproval of a situation.

(chiefly philosophy) The quality of an action being morally obligatory not to perform.

(dated, euphemistic) Sexually promiscuous.