a lack of integrity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of integrity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where someone does not adhere to moral or ethical principles. Example: "The company's downfall was largely attributed to a lack of integrity in its leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

City watchdog argued his behaviour showed a lack of integrity.

Independent

"Such a confused public witness displays a lack of integrity," Pastor Schulz said.

The New York Times

A successful case would require proof of incompetence, dishonesty or a lack of integrity.

The Guardian - Business

So "flip-flop" is actually an inapt word, he protested, suggesting as it does a lack of integrity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is someone uniquely qualified to identify a lack of integrity in the process of an investigation," Mr. Wasserman said.

The New York Times

"There's been a lack of integrity and honesty from the very beginning … They can't be trusted to investigate each other".

The Guardian

"The real issue is a lack of control, a lack of integrity and lots of opportunity and lots of money".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

To confirm whether the reduction of NEDD1 in senescent MEFs was also responsible for a lack of centrosome integrity and abnormalities, centrosome integrity was evaluated in these MEFs depleted of NEDD1.

Cell Death and Disease

He was easily lured into an affair with Maria Reynolds, the wife of a swindler, and ended up revealing his own adultery to the world lest he be blamed for what he reckoned a worse sin, a lack of financial integrity.

The Guardian - Books

Within moments of reconnecting, both were delighted to find themselves once again wrapped up in a conversation they'd seemingly been having for years: How could a lack of basic integrity and a complete disregard for human dignity combine to create personal wealth?

The New Yorker

Other scientists, impressed with Monnett's work, are also unsure where any allegations of a lack of scientific integrity could have arisen.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "a lack of integrity" with specific examples of unethical behavior. This provides concrete evidence and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of integrity" when the issue is actually incompetence or lack of skill. Integrity refers to moral principles, not ability. Incompetence means lacks the skills to perform a task or job.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of integrity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a deficiency in moral or ethical principles, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lack of integrity" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a deficiency in moral or ethical principles. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in formal business and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, it is essential to focus on actual ethical breaches rather than competence issues. Related phrases such as "absence of honesty" or "moral deficiency" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended. Finally, remember to provide specific examples when discussing ethical failures to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dishonesty

A more direct synonym, referring to deceitful behavior or speech.

untrustworthiness

Directly addresses the quality of not being reliable or worthy of trust.

absence of honesty

Focuses specifically on the absence of truthfulness and sincerity.

ethical failure

Emphasizes a failure to adhere to established ethical guidelines.

breach of ethics

Emphasizes a violation or infringement of ethical rules.

moral deficiency

Highlights a deficit in moral principles or ethical standards.

absence of probity

Refers to the lack of strong moral principles and integrity.

ethical compromise

Highlights a situation where ethical principles have been sacrificed.

want of principle

Highlights the absence of strong moral principles.

moral bankruptcy

Suggests a complete depletion of moral or ethical values.

FAQs

How can I use "a lack of integrity" in a sentence?

You can use "a lack of integrity" to describe someone or something that does not adhere to moral or ethical principles. For example: "The investigation revealed "a lack of integrity" in the company's financial reporting."

What's a more direct synonym for "a lack of integrity"?

A more direct synonym is "dishonesty", which refers to deceitful behavior or speech. However, "a lack of integrity" often implies a broader ethical failing.

What are some alternative ways to express "a lack of integrity"?

Some alternatives include "absence of honesty", "moral deficiency", or "ethical failure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a lack of integrity" in formal writing?

Yes, "a lack of integrity" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing ethical breaches, governance issues, or character flaws. It carries a strong, critical tone.