ethically suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, decisions, or practices that raise moral or ethical concerns. Example: "The company's decision to cut costs by outsourcing labor to countries with lower wages is ethically suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Some biomedical journals have chosen to publish ethically suspect research with an accompanying editorial in hopes of fostering discussion of ethical challenges [ 9, 10].

BMC Medical Ethics

Third thought, on the more ethically suspect matter of the payment.

The Guardian

This physician-assisted redefinition of death meant that removing life-support machinery from these patients was no longer ethically suspect.

The New Yorker

The outsider art concept is tired by now, even ethically suspect, the equivalent of "primitive art" from decades ago.

The New York Times - Arts

FOR decades, mutual-fund companies and brokers have been up to things that were ethically suspect, but permitted nonetheless.

The Economist

While ethically suspect, the idea that a politician would try to shape her Wikipedia article shouldn't come as a surprise.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is ethically bankrupt, legally suspect, and largely obscene as in "pertaining only to prurient interests" as defined by the landmark 1959 Wisconsin obscenity trials.

Huffington Post

Pohl granted ali-Nashiri's lawyers a three-hour recess to consider whether they can ethically continue representing him if they suspect that their privileged conversations are being monitored.

The Guardian

18% (n = 6) of respondents had published ethically uncertain or suspect research within the last 10 years.

BMC Medical Ethics

Because there was a noticeable difference in the inhibition of physiological myocardial 18F-FDG uptake between HEP and LF in healthy subjects and in patients with known or suspected CS, we were ethically unable to plan a randomized study.

EJNMMI Research

In our study, FDG-PET/CT was taken as the reference standard because pathological proof for each lymph node region or organ suspected to have disease involvement is practically and ethically not possible.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethically suspect" to introduce a nuanced discussion of ethical considerations, rather than as a definitive judgment. It implies a need for further scrutiny and debate.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically suspect" as a final verdict without providing supporting arguments or acknowledging alternative perspectives. It's more effective as a starting point for ethical analysis than as a conclusive condemnation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically suspect" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing something as morally questionable or raising ethical concerns. Ludwig AI examples show it applied to research, business practices, and political actions, indicating a wide range of potential applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethically suspect" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe actions, decisions, or practices that raise moral or ethical concerns. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly within news, scientific, and business contexts. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, its use implies a need for further scrutiny and should be supported by specific evidence, avoiding its misuse as a definitive judgment. Consider alternatives such as "morally questionable" or "ethically dubious" depending on the nuance you aim to convey. Its presence in authoritative sources underscores its acceptance in professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally questionable

Focuses more explicitly on moral rather than broadly ethical concerns.

ethically dubious

Similar in meaning, but suggests a stronger degree of doubt.

of questionable ethics

A more formal and descriptive phrasing.

morally ambiguous

Highlights the lack of clear moral guidelines or certainty.

ethically compromised

Suggests a specific ethical violation or weakening of ethical principles.

of dubious morality

Emphasizes the uncertain or doubtful nature of the morality involved.

ethically problematic

Highlights the existence of ethical issues or difficulties.

morally tainted

Suggests that something has been corrupted or damaged from a moral perspective.

of questionable integrity

Highlights doubts about the honesty and moral soundness.

ethically tainted

Similar to morally tainted, focusing on ethical corruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethically suspect" to describe actions, decisions, or practices that raise moral or ethical concerns. For example: "The company's decision to outsource labor to countries with lower wages is ethically suspect."

What can I say instead of "ethically suspect"?

You can use alternatives like "morally questionable", "ethically dubious", or "of questionable ethics" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ethically suspect"?

It is appropriate when you want to express doubt or concern about the ethical implications of a particular action, decision, or situation, but without making a definitive judgment. It implies a need for further examination or discussion of the ethical considerations involved.

What are some examples of actions that might be considered "ethically suspect"?

Examples include exploiting loopholes in tax laws, using deceptive marketing practices, conducting research with questionable consent procedures, or engaging in activities that may benefit one party at the expense of others without full disclosure.