ethically problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or decision that raises ethical concerns or dilemmas. Example: "The company's decision to use child labor in its supply chain is clearly ethically problematic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Table 11 Extension of avoidance of ethically problematical companies To what extent ought an ethical fund to avoid investing in ethically problematic companies?

Business Research

Thus, according to Cullis et al. (1992), they can be called investment-investors. Table 10 Avoidance of ethically problematical companies Do you think that ethical funds should avoid investing in companies that you perceive to be ethically problematic?

Business Research

(Somehow, bribery extended over time seemed less ethically problematic).

The New York Times - Travel

And what could be more affecting and ethically problematic than one's duties to a sick child?

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Bruning, whom he had deemed insufficiently conservative and ethically problematic, had been vanquished.

The New York Times

But scientists said those studies could be as ethically problematic as the ones Mr. Bush already opposes.

The New York Times

"I see this as a disconcerting increasing trend, because there are many things about this that are ethically problematic" he said.

The Guardian

Adult-stem-cell research projects, meanwhile, would be aggressively funded, at a rate more than twice that of the politically and ethically problematic research involving embryos.

The New Yorker

For one thing, it would be ethically problematic to restrict calories in children (though with animals, the earlier that calorie restriction begins, the longer they live).

The New York Times - Magazine

What I think is ethically problematic is the attempt to distinguish the derivation from the use of these cell lines or public versus private sponsorship of these activities.

The New York Times - Health

Which not only seems unfair on Selasi, but also disturbing about the ethically problematic parameters of human desire: don't Telegraph columnists realise Negan's a misogynistic, megalomaniac, polygamous nutjob whose business model feeds on human woe?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ethically problematic", clearly specify the ethical principle or standard that is being questioned to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "The experiment is ethically problematic due to the lack of informed consent."

Common error

While "ethically problematic" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem overly critical or judgmental. Instead, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "ethically complex" or "ethically sensitive" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically problematic" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that something poses ethical concerns or raises ethical questions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to express that a situation is not necessarily wrong but warrants ethical scrutiny. For instance, 'The company's data collection methods are ethically problematic'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethically problematic" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes situations, actions, or decisions that raise ethical concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most frequently found in science, news, and business contexts, indicating its relevance across diverse fields. When using the phrase, be specific about the ethical principles involved. While a valuable term, avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a balanced tone. Consider alternatives like "ethically complex" or "morally questionable" for variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally questionable

Focuses specifically on moral rather than broader ethical concerns.

ethically dubious

Implies a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion regarding ethical standards.

ethically unsound

Suggests a lack of solid ethical grounding or justification.

ethically challenging

Highlights the difficulty in resolving ethical considerations.

ethically sensitive

Indicates the need for careful consideration due to potential ethical ramifications.

ethically ambiguous

Suggests uncertainty or lack of clarity regarding ethical principles.

ethically fraught

Emphasizes the potential for conflict or controversy regarding ethical issues.

morally ambiguous

Highlights ambiguity regarding the moral aspects of the situation.

ethically compromised

Suggests that ethical standards have been violated or weakened.

ethically tainted

Implies corruption or impurity in ethical considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethically problematic" to describe actions, situations, or decisions that raise ethical questions or concerns. For example, "The company's environmental practices are considered ethically problematic".

What's a more formal alternative to "ethically problematic"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "ethically complex" or "ethically sensitive", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "ethically problematic"?

It's appropriate when you want to express concern or raise questions about the ethical implications of a particular issue or action. It's useful when something is not clearly wrong but raises valid ethical considerations.

What is the difference between "ethically problematic" and "illegal"?

"Ethically problematic" means that something raises concerns about moral principles, while "illegal" means it violates the law. An action can be "ethically problematic" without being illegal, and vice versa.