ethical dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

"ethical dilemma" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone has to choose between two undesirable options that both have ethical implications. For example, "My boss asked me to lie to a customer, creating an ethical dilemma for me because I wanted to keep my job but also wanted to maintain my integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the company has an ethical dilemma.

The Guardian

Our starter today is a minor ethical dilemma.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This wasn't an ethical dilemma for me," he said.

The New York Times

In spite of this I have an ethical dilemma.

The Guardian

Here's just one example of an ethical dilemma.

The Guardian

According to the article, what is the ethical dilemma?

The New York Times

The Council decided the ethical dilemma she faced was unique.

The New York Times - Sports

If you have an ethical dilemma, email Lucy at [email protected] Follow Lucy on Twitter @lucysiegle.

The Guardian

A similar ethical dilemma emerged for the sweatshops that several major clothing companies were using.

The Guardian - Opinion

Does the News Corp. scandal present an ethical dilemma for the company's authors?

The New Yorker

In a way, it was a blessing from the sky, and it solved his ethical dilemma".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ethical dilemma", clearly articulate the conflicting values or principles that make the situation difficult. Providing context helps your audience understand the complexity of the issue.

Common error

Avoid misusing "ethical dilemma" to describe situations that are primarily legal or practical, but lack genuine moral conflict. An ethical dilemma involves a conflict between different moral imperatives, not just a difficult choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a situation involving conflicting moral principles. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe a situation in which someone has to choose between two undesirable options that both have ethical implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ethical dilemma" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a situation where individuals or organizations face conflicting moral principles, making it difficult to decide on a course of action. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and widely applicable, it frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific research, and business discussions. As observed in the analysis, contexts such as moral quandary and moral conflict, you need to use this phrase appropriately to describe real moral conflicts, while understanding it's not just a legal or practical matter but one of core moral principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral quandary

Replaces "dilemma" with "quandary", emphasizing the perplexing and difficult nature of the moral situation.

moral predicament

Uses "predicament" to emphasize the difficult and unenviable situation.

moral conflict

Focuses on the conflict between differing moral principles or values.

difficult ethical choice

Emphasizes the choice component and the complexity of the ethical considerations.

ethical problem

A more general term, referring to any problematic situation with ethical considerations.

troubling moral issue

Highlights the problematic nature of the moral situation and the unease it causes.

moral crisis

Suggests a more severe and urgent ethical challenge.

moral crossroads

Emphasizes the critical decision point where a choice must be made between different moral paths.

conflict of values

Highlights the clash between different values that makes a decision difficult.

values at stake

Highlights potential consequences that may impact one's moral principles.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ethical dilemma" in a sentence?

Use "ethical dilemma" to describe a situation where there are conflicting moral principles and choosing one option means violating another. For example, "The doctor faced an ethical dilemma when asked to prioritize patients with limited resources".

What are some alternatives to using "ethical dilemma"?

You can use alternatives like "moral quandary", "moral conflict", or "ethical problem depending on the specific context".

Is there a difference between an "ethical dilemma" and a "legal dilemma"?

Yes, an "ethical dilemma" involves a conflict of moral principles, while a "legal dilemma" involves conflicting laws or legal obligations. A situation can present both ethical and legal dilemmas, but they are not the same.

What is an example of a common "ethical dilemma" in the workplace?

A common "ethical dilemma" in the workplace is deciding whether to prioritize company profits over employee well-being, especially when cost-cutting measures are needed.