ethical breach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical breach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a violation of ethical standards or principles in various contexts, such as business, law, or personal conduct. Example: "The company faced severe backlash after the report revealed an ethical breach in their hiring practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

There are no committee hearings scheduled to investigate Conway's possible ethical breach or whether the White House actually required employees to undergo ethics training.

Huffington Post

"I think it's a serious ethical breach".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's an ethical breach that is unacceptable.

The Guardian

An ethical breach forced Abe Fortas to step down.

The New York Times

Has the amateur photographer committed an ethical breach?

The New York Times - Magazine

This is not Justice Gableman's first ethical breach.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

ethical breaches?

The New Yorker

Although ethical breaches no doubt happen, it isn't a hive of corruption.

The Guardian - Tech

But most ethical breaches probably never reach either the real estate board or the Department of State.

The New York Times

Over the years, however, I have seen numerous small ethical breaches.

The Guardian

The shabbiness of the medical judgments, though, pales in comparison to the ethical breaches by the doctors and psychologists involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethical breach" to denote a clear violation of established ethical guidelines. For situations involving questionable or ambiguous behavior, consider using terms like "ethical dilemma" or "conflict of interest" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "ethical breach" when describing a situation where there's a difficult choice between two ethical imperatives. An "ethical breach" is a clear violation, while an ethical dilemma involves a complex decision with competing moral considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical breach" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of violating ethical principles, standards, or codes of conduct. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethical breach" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a violation of ethical standards or principles. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communication. While alternatives like "violation of ethics" and "ethics violation" exist, "ethical breach" remains a clear and effective way to convey the concept. Remember to use it when referring to a distinct violation rather than an ethical dilemma, and be specific about the violated principles to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation of ethics

Replaces "breach" with "violation", emphasizing the act of breaking ethical rules.

ethics violation

A more concise and direct way to express the same concept.

ethical violation

Swaps the order of words, it's grammatically acceptable and equally understandable.

moral transgression

Uses stronger language, implying a serious moral wrongdoing.

breach of professional conduct

Specifically refers to violations of ethical standards in a professional setting.

professional misconduct

Focuses on improper behavior within a profession, often implying ethical lapses.

moral lapse

Highlights a temporary failure in moral judgment or behavior.

dereliction of ethical duty

Formal phrasing that emphasizes the neglect of ethical responsibilities.

failure to uphold ethical standards

Focuses on the act of not maintaining ethical requirements.

ethical compromise

Suggests a situation where ethical principles were sacrificed, often due to external pressures.

FAQs

What exactly constitutes an "ethical breach"?

An "ethical breach" refers to a violation of established ethical rules, principles, or standards. It's a deviation from what is considered morally right or professionally acceptable in a given context.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "ethical breach"?

You can use alternatives like "violation of ethics", "ethics violation", or "moral transgression" depending on the severity and context.

How does an "ethical breach" differ from an "ethical dilemma"?

An "ethical breach" is a clear violation of ethical standards, while an ethical dilemma involves a situation where there is a difficult choice between two or more conflicting ethical principles. One is a transgression, the other is a conflict.

In what contexts is the term "ethical breach" commonly used?

The term "ethical breach" is often used in professional settings such as law, business, medicine, and journalism to describe violations of conduct codes or ethical guidelines. It's also applicable in personal contexts when discussing moral wrongdoings.