A dishonorable act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A dishonorable act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is considered unethical or lacking in honor. Example: "The politician's decision to accept bribes was widely condemned as a dishonorable act."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Bringing charges and then dropping them is not a dishonorable act.

The New York Times

The Air Force honor code recognizes that tolerating code violations is a dishonorable act.

The New York Times

Now the coelacanth story has taken a nasty turn: The Indonesian variety's discoverer has accused another researcher of a "dishonorable act of scientific piracy" for a report, appearing in a French journal next month, that calls the Indonesian coelacanth a new species and gives it a name.

Science Magazine

This is a dishonorable act on the part of the few and illegal.

HuffPost

Upon hearing the news that Kang had taken his own life, one middle-aged woman who was gathered with other relatives of the missing at the school, waiting for news, shouted that his suicide was a dishonorable act and a betrayal to survivors.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Plagiarism is the dishonorable act of passing someone else's words off as your own, whether or not the material is published.

The New York Times

As a high school student beginning the college admissions process, these dishonorable acts dishearten my confidence and leave me regarding every sleepless night and study session as meaningless, able to be signed away by a simple paycheck.

The New York Times

But for a country so obsessed with honor, Pakistanis seem to care little for the dishonorable acts of their public figures.

The New York Times

Dishonorable acts are denounced through lyrics that send shame to the perpetrators and their kin.

The New York Times

Not only poverty stands in the way, but also the charged history: many Sioux ask why they should have to pay for land that already belongs to them, given numerous treaties broken by the United States and a landmark federal court decision in 1979 that called the government's seizure of the Black Hills one of the most dishonorable acts in American history.

The New York Times

T.H., Connecticut (age 14) Deliberately hurting an opponent is part of the game, but it is a dishonorable part.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A dishonorable act", ensure the context clearly defines why the act is considered unethical or shameful. Specificity strengthens the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "A dishonorable act" in casual conversation. Its formal tone is better suited for news reports, academic papers, or formal debates.

Linguistic Context

A dishonorable act" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, which helps characterize a specific deed or action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A dishonorable act" is a noun phrase used to describe actions that are considered unethical, shameful, or lacking integrity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines why the action is considered dishonorable to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "a shameful deed" or "an unethical action" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A dishonorable deed

Changes only the noun from act to deed.

A shameful deed

Replaces "dishonorable" with "shameful" and "act" with "deed", emphasizing the shame associated with the action.

A dishonorable practice

Changes only the noun from act to practice, suggesting a more habitual action.

An unethical action

Substitutes "dishonorable" with "unethical", focusing on the violation of moral principles.

A contemptible action

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt or disdain that the action provokes.

A reprehensible deed

Highlights the blameworthy nature of the action.

A disgraceful action

Focuses on the loss of face or honor associated with the act.

An ignominious act

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for dishonorable, highlighting the shamefulness of the act.

A base act

Indicates the act is morally low or mean.

A vile action

Emphasizes the disgusting or repulsive nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "A dishonorable act" in a sentence?

You can use "A dishonorable act" to describe actions that are considered unethical or lacking in integrity. For example, "The politician's acceptance of bribes was seen as "a dishonorable act"."

What are some alternatives to "A dishonorable act"?

Alternatives include "a shameful deed", "an unethical action", or "a contemptible action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "A dishonorable act" a formal or informal phrase?

"A dishonorable act" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for serious or professional contexts rather than casual conversation.

What makes an act "A dishonorable act"?

An act is considered "A dishonorable act" when it violates accepted ethical standards, betrays trust, or brings shame to the person or entity involved.