ethically indefensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically indefensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, decisions, or practices that cannot be justified on ethical grounds. Example: "The company's decision to exploit cheap labor in developing countries is ethically indefensible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Both the killing and captivity of dolphins are ethically indefensible.

The New York Times

Auburn's mess is entertaining, of course, only if you can keep yourself from thinking how much good $11 million could do elsewhere, but colleges long ago mailed in their integrity to play this ethically indefensible game of "Monopoly".

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "The tragedy is that factory farming survives despite the widespread agreement that whether we are primarily concerned about animal welfare, our environment or our health, it is ethically indefensible".

The New York Times - Magazine

Lord Stern agrees with Frank Ramsey, an economist who wrote 80 years ago that discounting "later enjoyments in comparison with earlier ones…is ethically indefensible and arises merely from the weakness of the imagination".Other economists feel there is nothing wrong with their imaginations but plenty wrong with Lord Stern's near-zero rate.

The Economist

"We will not accept the mandatory detention of asylum seekers, because it is ethically indefensible and in breach of human rights; and... as a network of artists, arts workers and a leading cultural organisation, we do not want to be associated with these practices," they said.

The Guardian - Arts

I argue that these objections support the conclusion that the BPTD is ethically indefensible.

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Such a setup is ethically and economically indefensible.

The New Yorker

It doesn't have to include operating software, but it is ethically and morally indefensible to withhold the benefits of fleet learning from less-advanced manufacturers.

The New Yorker

A situation deemed to be both ethically and morally indefensible [ 4].

BMC Medical Ethics

It has been argued that to deny any group of workers, including "essential workers" the right to strike is akin to enslavement which is ethically and morally indefensible.

BMC Medical Ethics

They argued that patenting human genes is legally indefensible and ethically wrong because it inhibits the sharing of basic scientific data and restricts access to medical information.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ethically indefensible", clearly articulate the specific ethical principles being violated. Providing context strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically indefensible" as a mere label. Always provide a rationale explaining why the action is considered unethical to avoid weakening your statement's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically indefensible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that cannot be justified from an ethical standpoint. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to condemn actions or policies that violate moral principles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ethically indefensible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe actions or decisions that cannot be justified from an ethical perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media and science, indicating its relevance across various domains. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide clear justifications for your ethical assessment to maximize its impact. The alternatives include "morally unjustifiable" and "ethically unacceptable", which can be useful for nuance. Remember to articulate specific ethical principles being violated to strengthen your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally unjustifiable

Changes the framing from 'ethical' to 'moral', emphasizing a broader sense of right and wrong.

ethically unacceptable

Replaces 'indefensible' with 'unacceptable', suggesting something that cannot be tolerated or approved of.

morally reprehensible

Replaces 'indefensible' with 'reprehensible', indicating strong disapproval and condemnation.

ethically unsustainable

Focuses on the long-term implications, suggesting that the action cannot be maintained due to ethical concerns.

morally objectionable

Emphasizes that the action is offensive or disagreeable from a moral standpoint.

ethically compromised

Suggests that ethical principles have been violated or weakened.

morally suspect

Indicates that the action raises doubts or suspicions about its moral integrity.

ethically dubious

Implies that the action is questionable or uncertain from an ethical perspective.

morally ambiguous

Highlights the lack of clear moral guidance or certainty surrounding the action.

ethically problematic

Indicates that the action presents significant ethical challenges or difficulties.

FAQs

What does "ethically indefensible" mean?

The phrase "ethically indefensible" describes something that cannot be justified according to accepted moral principles or professional codes of conduct. It implies a clear violation of ethical standards.

What can I say instead of "ethically indefensible"?

You can use alternatives like "morally unjustifiable", "ethically unacceptable", or "morally reprehensible" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

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

Use "ethically indefensible" to describe actions, policies, or decisions that violate ethical standards. For example: "The company's decision to prioritize profit over safety is ethically indefensible."

What's the difference between "ethically indefensible" and "morally wrong"?

"Ethically indefensible" often refers to violations of specific ethical codes or principles, particularly in professional contexts, while "morally wrong" is a broader term applying to actions considered wrong based on general moral beliefs or societal values.