'ungodliness' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ungodlīcnes,' where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'godlīc' meant 'godly.'

'ungodlīcnes' transformed into the Middle English word 'ungodlinesse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ungodliness.'

Initially, it meant 'not godly or pious,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.