ethical obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moral or ethical barrier that prevents someone from taking a certain action or making a decision. Example: "The company faced an ethical obstacle when considering the environmental impact of their new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There's no ethical obstacle to her doing so.

The New York Times - Magazine

But besides a number of technical problems that must be resolved before they, or their test-tube-derived daughters, can be transplanted into patients, there is an ethical obstacle to overcome.

The Economist

There may be practical problems -- I'm around your age, and just the thought of chasing around after a toddler makes me want to lie down on the couch (and have Barney thrown into solitary) -- but I see no insurmountable ethical obstacle to your having a second child.

The New York Times - Magazine

As long as he insulates himself from his former employer and the co-workers there with whom he had close relationships, and as long as he is transparent with his current boss about his work history, there is no ethical obstacle to his taking the new position.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Because the participants know it is not real, many of the ethical obstacles to placing them in such situations are removed.

The Economist

The procedure has long been proved successful in animal experiments, but overcoming the institutional, logistical, and ethical obstacles to performing it on a human being has taken more than a decade.

The New Yorker

However, the technique also has the potential to be misused for cloning babies, although stem cell scientists believe there are formidable technical, legal and ethical obstacles that would make this effectively impossible.

Independent

In addition to their well-publicized ethical obstacles, embryonic stem cells also present daunting technical challenges.

Forbes

Therefore, even if ethical obstacles could be set aside, a comprehensive technical and safety evaluation is required before any clinic trial of this new technique.

Protein & Cell

Research in neonatal resuscitation poses some potential ethical obstacles, but national and international regulations and guidelines are available to assist investigators in study design.

Seminars in Neonatology

Further, the field of stem cells is rapidly advancing creating new sources of stem cells such as amniotic fluid and placental and induced pluripotent stem cells, which could circumvent ethical obstacles.

Comprehensive Biomaterials II

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research or policy, use "ethical obstacle" to clearly denote a specific ethical concern preventing progress or implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "ethical obstacle" when a "legal obstacle" is more appropriate. "Ethical obstacles" pertain to moral principles, whereas "legal obstacles" are related to laws and regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, where "ethical" modifies "obstacle". It describes a barrier or impediment that arises from moral or ethical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethical obstacle" refers to a barrier or impediment rooted in moral or ethical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news and scientific contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions involving research, policy, and moral decision-making. While not exceedingly common, its precise meaning makes it a valuable term for clearly identifying ethical concerns. When using the phrase, ensure that the obstacle genuinely stems from ethical principles, as opposed to legal or practical considerations. Alternatives such as "moral impediment" or "ethical dilemma" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral impediment

Replaces "ethical" with "moral" and "obstacle" with "impediment", both implying a hindering factor based on principles of right and wrong.

ethical hurdle

Substitutes "obstacle" with "hurdle", implying a challenge that needs to be overcome.

moral constraint

Replaces "obstacle" with "constraint", suggesting a limitation imposed by moral principles.

ethical challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of the ethical issue.

ethical predicament

Suggests a difficult or dangerous situation arising from ethical considerations.

ethical dilemma

Shifts from a barrier to a situation with conflicting moral imperatives, requiring a difficult choice.

moral quandary

Similar to "ethical dilemma", indicating a state of perplexity over ethical issues.

matter of conscience

Focuses on individual moral beliefs as a potential barrier.

principled objection

Highlights a formal disapproval based on ethical grounds.

ethical consideration

Highlights the need to ponder about the ethical aspects of a situation, and act accordingly.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethical obstacle" to describe a moral or ethical barrier that prevents someone from taking a certain action or making a decision. For example: "The research team encountered an "ethical obstacle" when they realized the study might harm participants."

What are some alternatives to "ethical obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "moral impediment", "ethical dilemma", or "moral constraint" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to face an "ethical obstacle"?

Facing an "ethical obstacle" isn't inherently negative. It often signals a need for careful consideration and potentially a more innovative or responsible approach. Addressing it thoughtfully can lead to more robust and morally sound outcomes.

What's the difference between "ethical obstacle" and "practical obstacle"?

An "ethical obstacle" involves moral considerations and principles, while a "practical obstacle" concerns logistical or feasibility issues. For example, funding could be a practical obstacle, while concerns about patient consent would be an "ethical obstacle".