cardinal sin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The cardinal sin of “The Last Days” is that it doesn’t choose a storyline.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

Before Robby and Al-Hashimi engage in any real ideological tussles, though, she commits the cardinal sin of suggesting they change the trauma center’s nickname to something else.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026

And viewpoint-based discrimination is a cardinal sin under the First Amendment.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

Attributing consciousness to animals based on their responses was seen as a cardinal sin.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2024

Unlike most American weddings I’ve attended, Iranian weddings call for formal clothing—it’s a cardinal sin to show up wearing a summer dress or something perfectly appropriate for a Sunday church service.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi