absence of values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where there are no moral, ethical, or cultural values present. Example: "The report highlighted the absence of values in the organization's decision-making process, leading to questionable outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Humanity is threatened not only by nuclear annihilation but by the absence of values.

The New Yorker

Camus felt that an absence of values had led Europe to disaster, that societies had decided that a leader was right merely because he'd succeeded.

The New Yorker

"I think it's an absence of values, an absence of spirituality, of understanding and knowledge of the culture these young people came from.

The Guardian - Film

He writes: Tensions within the world's most powerful media family were dramatically laid bare on Thursday when Elisabeth Murdoch set out her own vision of media leadership, emphasising humanity over profit and criticising her father's News Corporation for operating with an absence of values.

The Guardian

Presence, or absence of, values are in themselves determinants of population health [ 24, 34- 36].

Health Research Policy and Systems

The absence of values based on the Italian population affects the most important characteristic of the instrument, which is its use in cost-effectiveness analysis.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Companies started to notice the absence of value for their legal dollar, legal budgets were tightened, and the excesses that fueled the bubble ultimately caused it to burst.

The New York Times

As they deteriorate freely, these buildings are generating a debris field of outdated components, architectural detritus that testifies not only to an absence of value but, more importantly, to an architectural culture that defined buildings as concepts, regarded decay as a theoretical impossibility and saw the difference between concrete and cardboard as immaterial.

Princeton University

Objectivity then follows from transparency about, rather than absence of, value judgements (Longino 1990; Douglas 2000; Althaus 2005; Hermansson 2012; Hartley et al. 2016).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

The absence of value.

Huffington Post

The absence of value and/or meaning acts like a vacuum that creates the significance of Brown's "crypto-relics".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "absence of values", provide specific examples to illustrate the consequences or impact of this lack.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "absence of values" as a blanket statement without providing context or specific examples. This can lead to misinterpretations and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of values" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a state of lacking moral, ethical, or cultural principles. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of values" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase, although Ludwig AI indicates it appears relatively infrequently in common usage. Predominantly employed in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it serves to denote a lack of ethical or moral principles, often with a critical undertone. While both "lack of values" and "absence of values" are acceptable, the choice depends on whether one seeks to emphasize a deficiency or a complete non-existence of values. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific examples to avoid overgeneralization and enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "lack of principles" or "ethical deficit" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is generally used in neutral to formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of values

Expresses a deficiency in moral or ethical principles instead of a complete absence.

absence of morals

Directly states that there are no moral standards or codes of conduct.

void of values

Emphasizes an emptiness or lack of substance concerning ethical considerations.

lack of principles

Specifically points out the deficiency in fundamental beliefs that guide behavior.

paucity of values

Indicates a small quantity or scarcity of guiding principles.

devoid of ethics

Highlights the lack of ethical considerations in actions or decisions.

moral vacuum

Highlights the lack of moral guidance and ethical standards, creating a void.

ethical void

Stresses the emptiness and lack of ethical standards in a certain context.

ethical deficit

Focuses on a deficiency or shortfall in ethical behavior and considerations.

value deficit

Focuses on deficiency in guiding principles or core values within an organization or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "absence of values" to describe a situation where ethical or moral principles are lacking. For example: "The company's decisions reflected an absence of values, prioritizing profit over ethical considerations."

What's a more formal way to say "absence of values"?

A more formal alternative could be "lack of ethical principles" or "deficiency in moral standards" depending on the context. Both phrases maintain a professional tone.

Is it better to say "lack of values" or "absence of values"?

Both "lack of values" and "absence of values" are acceptable. "Lack" often implies a deficiency, while "absence" indicates a complete non-existence. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can also consider alternatives like "void of values".

What are some potential consequences of an "absence of values" in a company?

An "absence of values" in a company can lead to unethical behavior, damage to reputation, loss of trust from stakeholders, and potential legal repercussions. It's crucial to establish and maintain a strong ethical framework.