a sick proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sick proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or suggestion that is considered morally wrong, disturbing, or unacceptable. Example: "The proposal to cut funding for education is a sick proposition that we cannot support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a misogynistic sociopath who is devastatingly attractive, kind to children, prone to quoting Dante and Camus, and whose crimes we get to see in graphic detail, is a sick proposition indeed – and one enjoyed by 2.5m people to boot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He's in town with a sick daughter – the perfect opportunity to proposition him: $10m loaded on his jet for bribes, the promise of free elections, and the full support of the United States.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I tried to explore the outrageous propositions of cause and effect, of effort and recompense, in a sick society.

The New Yorker

A sick dog!

The New Yorker

A sick cat, eh?

TechCrunch

Create a sick plan.

WikiHow

In addition to the wage-floor hike, Proposition 1 includes a sick-leave mandate, letting workers accrue up to 6.5 sick days a year, as well as a guarantee that tipped workers can keep their gratuities and not be required to share them.

Huffington Post

Health insurance is limited in what it covers and far from universal, so getting sick can be a costly proposition.

The New Yorker

For instance, although the Ryan plan wouldn't ban patients with preexisting conditions, it would put them in a "high-risk pool" with other sick patients, a proposition which Das and others have said has been shown to not work.

Vice

Note that a proposition has an object.

WikiHow

What a ludicrous proposition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “a sick proposition” when you want to express strong disapproval or moral objection to an idea or plan. Make sure the context clearly indicates the reason for your disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using “a sick proposition” casually. It carries a strong negative connotation and should be reserved for ideas or proposals that are genuinely morally objectionable or disturbing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sick proposition" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "sick" intensifies the negative connotation of the noun "proposition", expressing strong disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sick proposition" is used to express strong disapproval of an idea or plan. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and usable in written English. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and primarily found in News & Media. It carries a strong negative connotation and should be used judiciously. Alternatives include "a morally wrong suggestion" or "a disturbing idea". Overall, it is an effective way to convey moral objection when the context warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a morally wrong suggestion

Focuses on the ethical aspect, emphasizing the wrongness of the suggestion.

a disturbing idea

Highlights the unsettling nature of the idea being presented.

an unacceptable proposal

Emphasizes the lack of acceptance or viability of the proposal.

a reprehensible scheme

Conveys a sense of strong disapproval and moral condemnation.

an appalling plan

Stresses the shocking and dreadful nature of the plan.

an offensive proposition

Highlights the potential to cause offense or displeasure.

a twisted concept

Implies a deviation from what is considered normal or morally right.

a grotesque suggestion

Emphasizes the repulsive or distorted nature of the suggestion.

an unethical idea

Highlights the lack of ethical principles in the idea.

a problematic suggestion

Focuses on the difficulties or issues associated with the suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "a sick proposition" in a sentence?

You can use "a sick proposition" to describe an idea or plan that is morally wrong, disturbing, or unacceptable. For example: "The proposal to cut funding for education is "a sick proposition" that we cannot support."

What can I say instead of "a sick proposition"?

You can use alternatives like "a morally wrong suggestion", "a disturbing idea", or "an unacceptable proposal" depending on the context.

What makes something "a sick proposition"?

Something is considered "a sick proposition" when it violates moral principles, causes significant harm, or is deeply disturbing to societal norms.

Is "a sick proposition" formal or informal?

"A sick proposition" leans towards informal due to its strong emotional tone. It's best suited for opinion pieces or discussions where strong disapproval is appropriate. More formal settings might require alternatives like "an unethical proposal".