absence of morality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of morality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, behavior, or action that lacks ethical principles or moral standards. Example: "The actions taken by the corporation during the crisis revealed a troubling absence of morality in their decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An absence of morality can easily be found in the rioters and looters.

Independent

The antidote to the absence of morality among nations is the deliberate cultivation of morality among individuals, and within and between societies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Certain emotions and behaviors are then relevant too insofar as they relate to the exercise of such judgment, but in the absence of moral judgment they seem only to belong to proto-morality.

SEP

This situation may be more or less hostile, and more or less social, depending on how the theorist characterizes human life in the absence of rules of morality or justice.

SEP

Some people are led to moral nihilism by the absence of any defensible theory of morality.

SEP

Agar warns us that: The absence of a consensus upon the mechanisms of morality could prevent any agreement that a proposed moral enhancer could really be enhancing morality, whatever else it may be doing.

BMC Medical Ethics

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has invoked food scandals as examples of the "absence of integrity and a landslide of morality" in China, adding that, "It would be absolutely impossible for a state to become a truly powerful and respectful one if it did not see improvement of its national quality and moral strength".

The New York Times

Such blowback – the unintended consequences of arms sales – is common to the global trade in weapons, which is driven by a combination of geopolitics, greed, a profound lack of morality, and a marked absence of meaningful regulation and oversight.

The Guardian

This is the closest we can get to common morality in the absence of a survey of all the existing national codes of ethics.

BMC Medical Ethics

Kant's lectures on ethics address such wide-ranging issues of morality and religion as Kant's moral criticisms of atheism, the independence of morality from religion, the corrupting influence of counterfeit religious service on morality, and the absence of special duties to God.

SEP

Mencius holds that the beginnings of morality are sent by Heaven, but in the absence of such a metaphysical warrant, can these intuitive judgments be accepted, particularly the ones that underwrite love with distinctions?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal or organizational behavior, using "absence of morality" can effectively highlight a critical failing in ethical considerations and decision-making processes.

Common error

Avoid using "absence of morality" in situations where a nuanced critique of moral choices is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can lead to hyperbole and weaken your argument. Instead, consider more specific language that acknowledges the complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of morality" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting the lack of ethical or moral principles. As Ludwig AI suggests, its usage describes situations devoid of moral considerations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absence of morality" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the lack of ethical principles in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively serves to highlight ethical shortcomings and is used to express disapproval or concern. Although not very common, it is found in both news and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider its strong implications and choose it carefully to ensure it accurately reflects the situation and avoids hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of ethics

Focuses on the deficiency of ethical principles guiding behavior, rather than morality in a broader sense.

moral vacuum

Emphasizes the void or emptiness created by the absence of moral guidance.

ethical void

Similar to "moral vacuum" but specifically points to a lack of ethical considerations.

lack of moral compass

Highlights the absence of an internal guide for distinguishing right from wrong.

devoid of moral principles

Stresses the complete lack of moral guidelines or beliefs.

moral deficiency

Focuses on the inadequacy or shortcoming in moral character or standards.

ethical bankruptcy

Implies a complete failure of ethical standards, often in an organizational or societal context.

moral decay

Indicates a gradual decline or deterioration of moral values.

erosion of morals

Similar to "moral decay", but emphasizes the process of gradual weakening or wearing away of moral standards.

breakdown of ethics

Suggests a collapse or failure of ethical systems or guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of morality" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of morality" to describe a situation or entity lacking ethical principles. For example: "The corporation's actions demonstrated an alarming absence of morality."

What are some alternatives to "absence of morality"?

Alternatives include "lack of ethics", "moral vacuum", or "ethical void", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "absence of morality" in formal writing?

Yes, "absence of morality" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a lack of moral principles. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong statement.

What's the difference between "absence of morality" and "moral ambiguity"?

"Absence of morality" indicates a complete lack of moral principles, whereas "moral ambiguity" refers to a situation where moral principles are unclear or conflicting.