dishonorable intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

"dishonorable intentions" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe motives that are unethical or morally wrong. Example: "His dishonorable intentions were evident in the way he manipulated others." Alternative expressions include "unethical motives" and "malicious intent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The combatants are overseen by a mysterious guild, which seemingly enforces rules of fair combat but may have dishonorable intentions.

The New York Times

If any of those customers had had dishonorable intentions, they could simply have taken more groceries than they paid for.

Forbes

It also provides the two nations with technology but, unknown to them, has dishonorable intentions, to preserve the status quo and enforce its dominance of both sides.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

How dishonorable.

The New Yorker

"It's a dishonorable dialogue".

The New York Times

Several other governments deserve dishonorable mention.

The New York Times

Dishonorable, vindictive and bound to bureaucratic immovability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coombs says the dishonorable discharge was inappropriate.

The Guardian

Hiding your preference was, to some, dishonorable.

The New York Times

They have shown themselves to be dishonorable".

The New York Times

But this in itself is not dishonorable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dishonorable intentions", ensure the context clearly establishes the unethical or morally wrong nature of the motives. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated accusations.

Common error

Be cautious about attributing "dishonorable intentions" without sufficient evidence. Ensure you can support your claim with concrete actions or demonstrable patterns of behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dishonorable intentions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dishonorable" modifies the noun "intentions". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is found in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dishonorable intentions" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe unethical or morally wrong motives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and presence in reputable sources, although its frequency is rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "dishonorable intentions", ensure there is clear evidence to support the claim. Alternatives such as "unethical motives" or "malicious intent" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical motives

Focuses on the lack of ethics rather than the intention itself.

malicious intent

Highlights the desire to cause harm or suffering.

nefarious purposes

Emphasizes the wickedness and immorality of the goals.

deceitful aims

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the goals.

insidious designs

Implies a subtle and treacherous plan.

scheming ambitions

Highlights the manipulative and self-serving nature of the ambitions.

treacherous plans

Emphasizes the element of betrayal and danger.

corrupt aspirations

Focuses on the moral decay and lack of integrity.

immoral objectives

Highlights the violation of moral principles.

wicked goals

Emphasizes the evil and malevolent nature of the goals.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "dishonorable intentions"?

You can use alternatives such as "unethical motives", "malicious intent", or "nefarious purposes" to express a similar idea.

Is it appropriate to use "dishonorable intentions" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. The phrase is clear and direct but may be considered accusatory. Ensure your evidence supports the claim of "dishonorable intentions" before using it in formal writing.

What is the difference between "dishonorable intentions" and "bad intentions"?

"Dishonorable intentions" carries a stronger connotation of moral failing and unethical behavior than "bad intentions", which is more general. "Dishonorable" implies a violation of principles or codes of conduct.

Can "dishonorable intentions" be used to describe unintentional actions?

No, "dishonorable intentions" implies a deliberate and conscious plan or motive. If the action was unintentional, then "dishonorable intentions" would not be the appropriate phrase.