devoid of morality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of morality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person or situation that is lacking any moral principles or virtue. For example, "His actions were completely devoid of morality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We were, apparently, sexually precocious, devoid of morality, subversive, insolent and seditious.

The Guardian

But I would urge those individuals not to dismiss the people who proposed those policies as devoid of morality – or assume those policies are somehow amoral themselves.

The Guardian

In other words, Maryam won't dare wear the outfit she's wearing in front of me - nor would Zahra - in Rah-Ahan Square in south Tehran, which is almost entirely devoid of morality police unlike the affluent north.

The Guardian

David Cameron has used an Easter message to hit back at criticism of the coalition's policies from church leaders, urging them not to dismiss him as "devoid of morality".

The Guardian

The scheme that led to more than 190 letters being issued to Irish republican On the Runs "was devoid of morality", MPs have been told.

BBC

Industry insiders accept EMT and the wisdom of crowds, but they are a persevering group, devoid of morality or ethics, in their quest for higher returns, more assets and more fees.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Hildegard, on her part, is just as arrogant, just as ruthless as Lucan; she and her boyfriend, Jean-Pierre, have as their guiding principle "a morality devoid of ethics or civil law," a determination to do whatever is necessary to achieve their ends.

The New York Times - Books

In a hypothetical world devoid of emotions, morality or loyalty, credible information would easily sway people from fact-scarce beliefs.

Forbes

Once we have accepted the basic tenets of evolution, no matter how much we marvel at the "tangled bank," we have to accept that it is a process that is wholly indifferent, utterly neutral, completely devoid of any sense of morality or ethics.

The New York Times

Adapted for the screen by Mark Pavia, who makes his directorial debut with the movie, it is a thuddingly blunt contemporary morality tale devoid of wit and only minimally suspenseful.

The New York Times

It is the highest form of morality".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of morality", ensure the context clearly indicates a complete absence of moral considerations, rather than simply a difference in moral perspective. For example, describe actions as "completely devoid of morality".

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of morality" to describe actions or beliefs that you simply disagree with. The phrase implies a complete absence of any moral framework, not just a conflicting one. For example, it's incorrect to state "their political views are devoid of morality" simply because you oppose them; instead, consider the existence of differing moral justifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of morality" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as lacking any moral compass or ethical considerations. Ludwig indicates this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of morality" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something lacking moral principles. Ludwig confirms its validity. Although relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic sources. The phrase serves to express strong ethical disapproval. When using this phrase, make sure that the context indicates a complete absence of any moral framework and remember, Ludwig provides numerous examples of its real-world usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in moral principles

Emphasizes the absence of fundamental moral guidelines.

without ethical considerations

Highlights the absence of ethical thinking in decision-making.

bereft of moral values

Stresses the loss or absence of cherished moral beliefs.

ethically bankrupt

Suggests a complete depletion of ethical standards.

morally deficient

Indicates a shortage or inadequacy in moral character.

unprincipled

Focuses on the lack of guiding principles.

amoral

Suggests indifference to moral considerations, rather than a lack of them.

lacking a moral compass

Implies a disorientation or inability to navigate ethical dilemmas.

unethical

Indicates a violation of ethical standards, rather than simply lacking them.

morally ungrounded

Suggests a lack of foundation in moral beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of morality" to describe actions, behaviors, or systems that lack any ethical or moral considerations. For example, "The company's policies were "devoid of morality", prioritizing profit over human well-being."

What is a synonym for "devoid of morality"?

Alternatives to "devoid of morality" include "lacking in moral principles", "without ethical considerations", or "bereft of moral values", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "devoid of morality" to describe a person?

Yes, it is appropriate, but it's a strong statement. It suggests the person's actions and decisions are made without any consideration of right or wrong. Be sure your assessment is accurate; otherwise, less absolute terms like "morally deficient" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "amoral" and "devoid of morality"?

"Amoral" implies an indifference to morality; someone amoral doesn't consider moral principles. "Devoid of morality" suggests an absence of moral compass or framework. While similar, "amoral" suggests neutrality, while ""devoid of morality"" implies a lack.