compunction

USAGE SUMMARY

'compunction' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means 'a feeling of guilt or regret for one's actions,' and is often used in contexts where someone has done something that they regret or feel guilty about. For example, "After realizing what he had done, John was filled with compunction and remorse".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She has no compunction in moving Labour beyond our comfort zone and is determined to build a team ready to chart a route forward".

The Guardian

And while the NSFW warning might often have served as pragmatic advice (behind which, admittedly, were ethical norms about workplace behaviour), the later injunctions not to click have a moral force that – just possibly – suggests something counterintuitive: the spread of ethical compunction across the basest, most sexually commodifying and amoral of all human inventions, the internet.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, he says, he will have no compunction about walking away from unprofitable contracts when they come up for renewal.

The Guardian

An executive for Kimberly-Clark, the owner of Kotex, notes that US TV networks have no such compunction about references to "erectile dysfunction" in prime-time ads for Viagra and Ciallis.

The Guardian

A leading homecare provider says it will have no compunction about walking away from unprofitable contracts With social care braced for further deep cuts in government funding via councils, the outlook is far from encouraging for the companies and charities that provide almost all state-funded homecare.

The Guardian

Sarah Palin fired another shot in her unlikely war of words with the activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) on Monday, accusing it of hypocrisy and asserting that liberals feel no compunction about attacking even special-needs children and puppy trainers.

The Guardian

He has clearly felt no compunction about using the law to do so, and it seems highly unlikely that he intends to use the constitution to check the power of the party itself.

The Economist

Moreover, they argue, the Democrats would be opening a can of worms by changing the rules with a simple majority: if the Republicans gain the upper hand at the next election, they would feel no compunction about doing the same.A few Democrats are hesitating.

The Economist

But the London Blitz, the firestorm that engulfed Hamburg killing 37,000 civilians and, right at the end, the seemingly wanton destruction of Dresden remain among the most powerful symbols of a total war that put civilians in the front line and was fought on all sides with little ethical compunction.

The Economist

She has had no compunction about dishing out favours to her underlings and about threatening punishment for miscreants.Her party's unity is also testimony to her grasp of Groucho Marx's great principle, as laid down in "Horse Feathers": "Whatever it is, I'm against it".

The Economist

He no doubt also draws conclusions from big American defence spending cuts in the pipeline and Mr Obama's extreme sensitivity to the war-weariness of American voters.If Mr Putin believes (as he almost certainly does) that Mr Obama will do little more than deliver a petulant slap on the wrist, he will have no compunction in putting into operation a familiar playbook.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "compunction" with adverbs like 'little', 'no', or 'some' to indicate the degree to which someone experiences moral hesitation.

Common error

Avoid using "compunction" when a stronger term like "remorse" or "contrition" is more appropriate to convey a deeper sense of guilt or sorrow. "Compunction" often implies a lighter feeling of regret.

Linguistic Context

The noun "compunction" primarily functions as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a feeling of guilt or regret. Ludwig's examples show it often appears with 'no' or 'little', indicating a lack of such feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

9%

Wiki

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "compunction" is a noun signifying a feeling of guilt or regret, often slight or fleeting. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles, indicating broad applicability. The phrase often appears with modifiers such as "no" or "little", emphasizing the absence of regret. Related terms include "remorse", "regret", and "scruples", each carrying nuances of moral consideration. When writing, remember that "compunction" is suitable when conveying lighter feelings of regret, reserving stronger terms for more intense emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remorse

A deeper and more intense feeling of regret and sorrow for wrongdoing.

regret

A general feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

scruples

Feelings of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.

qualms

Feelings of unease or doubt, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving.

moral qualms

Concerns specifically related to moral principles and beliefs.

moral reservations

Concerns or hesitations based on moral principles.

pangs of conscience

Sudden feelings of guilt or distress caused by the awareness of doing something wrong.

unease

A feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

hesitation

A pause or reluctance before doing something.

misgivings

A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

FAQs

How can I use "compunction" in a sentence?

You can use "compunction" to describe a feeling of guilt or regret, as in, "He felt no "compunction" about lying to her."

What's the difference between "compunction" and "remorse"?

"Compunction" implies a pricking of conscience or slight regret, while "remorse" suggests a deeper, more intense feeling of sorrow and guilt.

Is it correct to say "without compunction"?

Yes, saying "without "compunction"" is a common way to express that someone acted without any feelings of guilt or regret.

What are some synonyms for "compunction"?

Synonyms for "compunction" include "remorse", "regret", "scruple", and "qualm", each carrying slightly different nuances of moral hesitation.