clouded judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouded judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of confusion or impaired decision-making, often due to emotions or external factors. Example: "After hearing the shocking news, her clouded judgment led her to make a hasty decision that she later regretted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I've no doubt that some who are star-struck can have clouded judgment".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The combination of those – and the members' arrogance – results in "clouded judgment", rants against the lower class and much worse.

The Guardian - Film

But it's easier than ever to envision that a handful of people with jittery nerves and clouded judgment might somehow acquire a nuclear weapon and do catastrophic damage.

The New York Times - Arts

And a threat should never be made under the influence of anger: multiple studies have linked anger to reduced information processing, risky behaviors, and clouded judgment.

Harvard University

Roy and Carter's text-messaging relationship had a degree of intensity, and arguably disinhibition, that may have clouded judgment on both sides.

Harvard University

"People, no matter the warnings, are going to carry on smoking". So what chance do these budding young financial whizzkids think they have against the team of professionals? "I think we have a good chance as the people who do this for a living have a clouded judgment, whereas we are the market," said Year 13 student Lauren Tye.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There's nothing like being cheated to effectively stir the pot of enmity, and Dickens, for all his virtues, was no exception when it came to fashioning willfully clouded judgments.

Huffington Post

I think that ideology has clouded your judgment.

The New York Times

Others felt his presidential ambitions had clouded his judgment about what was best for Massachusetts".

The New York Times - Books

A lawyer for Mr. Jackson, Reid Weingarten, described him as a "good man" whose illness sometimes clouded his judgment.

The New York Times

But she also opens herself up to the charge that her obsession has clouded her judgment.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clouded judgment", consider specifying the cause. For example, "clouded judgment due to fatigue" or "clouded judgment because of emotional distress" adds clarity and impact.

Common error

While "clouded judgment" is widely understood, in highly formal or technical writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "impaired decision-making" or "compromised assessment" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouded judgment" functions as a noun phrase, where "clouded" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "judgment". It describes a state or condition affecting one's ability to make clear decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouded judgment" effectively describes a state where one's ability to make sound decisions is impaired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It is a common phrase, frequently used in both news and academic contexts, indicating its versatility and broad understanding. While "clouded judgment" is generally suitable for various registers, more formal synonyms like "impaired decision making" or "compromised assessment" might be preferred in highly formal or technical writing. To enhance clarity, specifying the cause of the "clouded judgment" is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impaired decision-making

Focuses more specifically on the decision-making process being negatively affected.

compromised judgment

Implies that external factors have negatively affected the ability to make sound decisions.

poor judgment

A more general term indicating a lack of good sense or wisdom in a decision.

faulty assessment

Highlights errors in evaluating a situation or making a judgment call.

flawed reasoning

Emphasizes the logical process being incorrect or deficient.

lack of clear thinking

Emphasizes the absence of a clear and focused thought process.

distorted perception

Highlights how the understanding of a situation is skewed.

muddled thinking

Suggests confusion and a lack of clarity in thought.

unclear discernment

Focuses on the lack of sharp insight or understanding.

irrationality

Denotes a lack of reason or logical thought.

FAQs

How can I use "clouded judgment" in a sentence?

You can use "clouded judgment" to describe situations where someone's ability to make sound decisions is impaired. For instance, "His "clouded judgment" led him to invest in a risky venture".

What are some synonyms for "clouded judgment"?

Alternatives include "impaired decision making", "poor judgment", or "flawed reasoning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it "clouded judgment" or "clouded judgement"?

"Clouded judgment" is the standard spelling in American English. "Clouded judgement" is the British English spelling. Both are correct, but consistency within your writing is key.

What causes "clouded judgment"?

"Clouded judgment" can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, fatigue, emotional distress, intoxication, or even certain medical conditions. It signifies a temporary or prolonged impairment in decision-making ability.