ethically bankrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically bankrupt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, organization, or system that lacks moral principles or integrity. Example: "The company's decision to prioritize profit over environmental sustainability demonstrates that it is ethically bankrupt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's morally and ethically bankrupt," Ms. Bowman said this week.

The New York Times

Not only are they ethically bankrupt, but they also appear overblown and distracting to the eye as well.

The New York Times - Tech

Their effects on people can range from radiation sickness to agonizingly slow death, which is why military experts often see them as ethically bankrupt.

The New York Times

And, as both biographers keenly emphasize, Orwell the devout nonbeliever held that the loss of faith had left modern man spiritually bereft and ethically bankrupt.

The New York Times - Books

To allow the drug to be given to children when there were known side-effects and it could not be proven to work was "morally and ethically bankrupt", he said.

The Guardian

If we are to blame anything for our current woes, then, let us point the finger at those institutions that are truly guilty: America's hopelessly bloated and ethically bankrupt corporations.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In addition to providing local service in western states, Qwest is the fourth largest long-distance carrier in the U.S. It wants to be treated by investors like a Baby Bell, as companies like Verizon, SBC Communications and BellSouth have suffered share-price losses, but nothing like those endured by network builders such as ethically challenged bankrupt firms like Global Crossing and WorldCom.

Forbes

Business as usual is intellectually, ethically, and morally bankrupt.

Harvard Business Review

"Tenet appears to be a corporation that is ethically and morally bankrupt".

The New York Times

Fydler's coach, Brian Sutton, told The Sydney Morning Herald that the bodysuits are "ethically and morally bankrupt".

The New York Times - Sports

"Ignoring women's fundamental freedoms and equality to win elections is both an ethically and politically bankrupt strategy," Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, tweeted on Monday.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethically bankrupt" to describe situations or entities where a clear violation of ethical standards or principles has occurred, leading to a state of moral deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically bankrupt" for minor ethical lapses or disagreements. Reserve it for instances where there is a significant and demonstrable failure of ethical conduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically bankrupt" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the entity lacks moral principles and is fundamentally deficient in ethical standards. Examples from Ludwig show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethically bankrupt" is a powerful descriptor used to condemn actions or entities that lack moral principles. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and it commonly appears in news, business, and academic contexts. Related phrases include "morally deficient" and "devoid of ethics", though "ethically bankrupt" carries a specific connotation of a complete failure in ethical standards. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for significant ethical violations and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Using "ethically bankrupt" effectively means understanding its strong negative implications and applying it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking moral integrity

Highlights the absence of strong moral principles and honesty.

ethically compromised

Suggests that ethical principles have been undermined or weakened.

without ethical foundation

Focuses on the absence of a solid ethical basis.

bereft of ethical values

Emphasizes the loss or absence of ethical values.

morally deficient

Replaces "bankrupt" with "deficient", focusing on the lack of moral qualities.

devoid of ethics

Emphasizes the absence of ethical considerations.

morally corrupt

Replaces "bankrupt" with "corrupt", suggesting a state of moral decay.

morally unsustainable

Highlights the inability to maintain ethical standards over time.

unscrupulous

A single-word adjective indicating a lack of moral principles.

principles are compromised

Focuses on the action/result rather than the state.

FAQs

How can I use "ethically bankrupt" in a sentence?

You can use "ethically bankrupt" to describe institutions, individuals, or practices that demonstrate a complete lack of moral principles. For example: "The company's decision to prioritize profits over environmental safety proves that it is ethically bankrupt."

What is a phrase similar to "ethically bankrupt"?

Similar phrases include "morally bankrupt", "devoid of ethics", or "lacking moral integrity". All of these suggest a lack of ethical or moral principles.

Is it better to say "ethically bankrupt" or "morally bankrupt"?

Both "ethically bankrupt" and "morally bankrupt" are acceptable. "Ethically bankrupt" tends to emphasize a violation of professional or societal standards, while "morally bankrupt" focuses more on personal moral principles. The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "ethically bankrupt"?

It's appropriate when there's a clear and profound failure to adhere to ethical standards or principles. This applies to situations like corporate fraud, political corruption, or any scenario where ethical considerations are completely disregarded for personal or organizational gain.