ethically complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations, decisions, or issues that involve intricate moral considerations and dilemmas. Example: "The decision to implement artificial intelligence in healthcare is ethically complex, as it raises questions about patient privacy and consent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Chelsea Manning presents a more ethically complex case.

The New Yorker

This is hard, ethically complex and deeply personal terrain.

The New York Times

Doing nothing is also different from handing out placebo medications, an ethically complex activity featuring doctor as shaman.

The New York Times

But the Hastens, who traveled to Nashville from Bullard, Tex., for two days of consultations preceding the operation, presented an ethically complex case.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Mr. Schlondorff, "The Legend of Rita," which opens today at the Film Forum, is a return to the politically urgent, ethically complex and clear-sighted filmmaking that marks his strongest work.

The New York Times

While his Mother London is justly celebrated, King of the City presented us with a global metropolis - a seething, ethically complex London, slyly skewed by Moorcock's humanity, his playful and exhilarating inventiveness, delightfully flip-switching from invention to reality.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Third, proposals to obstruct skilled migration are ethically and legally complex.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Ex vivo models represent a promising alternative to simple in vitro systems or complex, ethically challenging in vivo models.

Acta Biomaterialia

Unfamiliarity with the concept of "restraint" (describing the concept took up a lot of time) and difficulty in discussing such a complex, ethically laden subject could have contributed to the lack of depth in the data.

BMC Geriatrics

If we do not trust the government even to tie its own shoes, why should we trust government to divine solutions to a matter so ethically, theologically and scientifically complex as abortion?

The Economist

Modernist discourse, often written in the future tense, depicted high-technology innovations designed by experts as offering reliable, cost-effective and ethically benign solutions to complex clinical and social problems.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "ethically complex", be specific about which aspects make it so. Vague descriptions can undermine your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically complex" as a blanket statement. Always elaborate on the specific ethical dilemmas involved to provide a deeper understanding of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically complex" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun to describe situations, issues, or decisions involving intricate moral considerations and dilemmas. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethically complex" is a well-established phrase used to describe situations involving intricate moral considerations. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase is common in both news and scientific contexts, denoting a neutral to formal register. When using "ethically complex", ensure you provide specific context to illustrate the complexities involved. Consider alternatives like "morally intricate" or "ethically nuanced" for variety. Finally, remember that while the phrase is useful, it should be accompanied by a clear explanation of the underlying ethical dilemmas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally intricate

Focuses on the moral aspect, highlighting the intricate nature of the ethical considerations.

ethically nuanced

Emphasizes the subtle and intricate distinctions within the ethical considerations.

morally challenging

Highlights the difficulty in making ethical decisions.

ethically problematic

Indicates that the situation poses ethical problems or dilemmas.

morally ambiguous

Suggests that the ethical implications are unclear or uncertain.

ethically sensitive

Focuses on the need for careful consideration due to ethical implications.

morally fraught

Emphasizes the potential for ethical conflict or tension.

ethically questionable

Implies doubt about the ethical validity of an action or situation.

morally dubious

Suggests that the ethical nature is doubtful or suspicious.

ethically ambiguous

Underscores the lack of clarity and certainty surrounding ethical considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethically complex" to describe situations or decisions that involve intricate moral considerations. For example, "The use of AI in criminal justice is an "ethically complex" issue because of potential biases".

What can I say instead of "ethically complex"?

You can use alternatives like "morally intricate", "ethically nuanced", or "morally challenging" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "ethically complex" and "morally complex" are acceptable. "Ethically complex" is generally used in more formal or professional contexts, while "morally complex" can be used more broadly.

What makes a situation "ethically complex"?

A situation is "ethically complex" when it involves conflicting moral principles, unclear guidelines, or potential harm to multiple parties, making it difficult to determine the right course of action.