ethical failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an individual or organization has acted in a manner that is morally wrong or has violated ethical standards. Example: "The company's decision to prioritize profit over employee welfare was seen as a significant ethical failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Some philosophers have thought Socrates simply overlooked the psychological facts of such cases, but Aristotle makes distinctions that allow him to retain the Socratic view that ethical failure implies cognitive failure without sacrificing common ideas about human motivation (Nicomachean Ethics 7).

SEP

It went beyond the law, it's a moral and ethical failure".

The Guardian

"A culture of ethical failure" pervades the agency, Mr. Devaney wrote in a cover memo.

The New York Times

But it does echo, and it does remind us of the consequences of ethical failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I find it a huge ethical failure that she was even accepted as a patient," Dr. Caplan said.

The New York Times

Serenity can be an ethical failure, Robinson suggests, if it derives from complacency, from being too much at ease with oneself.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In effect, he has challenged critics to make a distinction between sloppiness and ethical failures.

The New York Times

Ethical failures may not merit a jail term; they do merit a spotlight.

The New Yorker

Presented with ample evidence of Mr. Clinton's ethical failures, American voters refused to care, much less get outraged.

The New York Times

I think the film will help nudge people to consider the potential ethical failures that underlie their health care.

The New York Times

The A.B.A. Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Model Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement already provide for review of ethical failures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethical failure" to describe situations where established ethical guidelines or moral principles were not followed. Avoid using it loosely for simple mistakes or unintentional errors in judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "ethical failure" for minor errors or unintentional mistakes. Reserve the term for situations involving deliberate disregard for ethical principles or significant breaches of conduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific instance or situation where ethical standards or principles have not been met. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethical failure" is a commonly used term to describe situations where ethical standards or principles have been violated. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to be specific about the violated principles and avoid applying it to minor unintentional errors. Alternatives such as "moral transgression" or "ethical breach" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Remember to use it judiciously and with clear examples to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral transgression

Focuses more on the moral aspect of the failure, suggesting a violation of personal or societal values.

lapse in ethics

Emphasizes a temporary deviation from ethical conduct, suggesting a momentary error in judgment.

ethical breach

Highlights a violation of a code of ethics, often within a professional or organizational context.

violation of ethical principles

A more formal and explicit way of describing an "ethical failure", emphasizing the rules that were broken.

dereliction of ethical duty

Suggests a neglect or abandonment of one's ethical obligations, often carrying a strong sense of responsibility.

moral deficiency

Points to a lack of moral character or judgment, suggesting a more fundamental flaw.

failure of integrity

Highlights a compromise or breakdown in one's honesty and adherence to moral principles.

ethical compromise

Implies a situation where ethical standards were sacrificed, often due to external pressures or conflicting interests.

unethical conduct

Focuses on the behavior itself as being immoral or against established ethical standards.

lack of probity

Emphasizes a deficiency in honesty and uprightness, often in a legal or financial context.

FAQs

How can I use "ethical failure" in a sentence?

You can use "ethical failure" to describe situations where established ethical guidelines or moral principles have been violated. For example, "The company's decision to prioritize profit over employee safety was a clear "ethical failure"."

What are some alternatives to "ethical failure"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "moral transgression", "lapse in ethics", or "ethical breach" to describe a similar concept.

What distinguishes an "ethical failure" from a simple mistake?

An "ethical failure" implies a deliberate disregard for ethical principles or a significant breach of conduct, whereas a mistake is typically unintentional and does not necessarily involve a violation of ethical standards.

In what contexts is the phrase "ethical failure" commonly used?

The phrase "ethical failure" is frequently used in contexts related to business, politics, healthcare, and journalism to describe situations where individuals or organizations have acted in a manner that is morally wrong or has violated ethical standards.