a moral impasse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moral impasse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a conflict in moral principles that prevents a resolution or decision. Example: "The committee found themselves at a moral impasse, unable to agree on the ethical implications of their proposed policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Each one of them reaches a moral impasse, as in Breaking Bad, and they have to make difficult decisions without completely losing the audience's sympathy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

America has certainly come to a curious moral impasse.

The New York Times

In balancing rights against needs, though, psychiatry is stuck in a kind of moral impasse.

The New Yorker

The title is a suburban address, but also an indicator that the spirit of 1776 has ended up in an affective and moral impasse, in the "great sentimental lie of the suburbs".

The Guardian - Books

"The time has come to tread a new path," Mr. da Silva declared in his inaugural address, arguing that Brazil's progress had been stalled by what he called the "economic, social and moral impasse" of a system based on self-interest.

The New York Times

There is a sort of tragic inevitability about the way labor has reached this moral impasse.

The New York Times

At least, I see no other way out of the present moral impasse.

The New York Times - Arts

The frustrated ambitions of his young heroes (Rastignac in Le Père Goriot [1835; Old Goriot]; Lucien de Rubempré, failed writer turned journalist, in Illusions perdues [1837 43; Lost Illusions]) and the subjection of women, particularly in marriage, are used as eloquent markers of the moral impasse into which bourgeois liberalism led the French Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the purposes of improving vital registration and decreasing stillbirth rates, it is worth encouraging a frank discussion about this question to either find common ground or to find ways around the moral impasse.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"A Moral Flip-Flop?

The New York Times

Foster a moral outlook.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a moral impasse", ensure the context clearly establishes conflicting moral principles or values that prevent a decision or resolution. Providing specific details about the conflicting principles can strengthen the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a moral impasse" to describe simple disagreements or differences of opinion. The phrase is most effective when highlighting genuine ethical dilemmas or situations where fundamental moral principles are in conflict, leading to a standstill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moral impasse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a state or situation characterized by conflicting moral principles, hindering resolution or decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moral impasse" describes a situation of deadlock due to conflicting ethical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears consistently across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the conflicting moral principles to enhance its impact. Alternatives such as "an ethical dilemma" or "a moral quandary" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ethical dilemma

Focuses more on the difficult choice between two or more ethical options, rather than a standstill.

a moral quandary

Emphasizes the perplexing or difficult nature of the moral problem.

an ethical stalemate

Highlights the lack of progress or resolution due to conflicting ethical positions.

a moral conflict

Indicates a direct clash between differing moral values or principles.

a crisis of conscience

Refers to an internal struggle with one's own moral principles.

a clash of values

Points out the disagreement between different sets of values.

an ethical blind alley

Suggests a situation where ethical considerations lead to no viable solution.

a point of ethical divergence

Focuses on the specific point where ethical opinions or paths separate.

a breakdown in ethics

Emphasizes the failure or collapse of ethical standards or behavior.

a moral predicament

Highlights the difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation from a moral point of view.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a moral impasse" in a sentence?

To use "a moral impasse" effectively, clearly illustrate the conflicting moral principles that are causing the deadlock. For instance, "The council reached "a moral impasse" when considering the proposal, as some members prioritized economic growth while others emphasized environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to saying "a moral impasse"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an ethical dilemma", "a moral quandary", or "an ethical stalemate". Each conveys a slightly different nuance of ethical conflict or deadlock.

Is it appropriate to use "a moral impasse" in formal writing?

Yes, "a moral impasse" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing complex ethical issues or policy debates. Its use indicates a sophisticated understanding of the ethical dimensions of the situation.

What distinguishes "a moral impasse" from a simple disagreement?

"A moral impasse" goes beyond a simple disagreement by highlighting a fundamental conflict between deeply held moral principles or values. It implies that the disagreement is not merely a matter of preference or opinion, but a clash of ethics that prevents easy resolution.