failure of ethics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure of ethics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where ethical standards or principles are not upheld or are violated. Example: "The company's decision to prioritize profit over safety was a clear failure of ethics that led to serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It was a huge failure of ethics and of professionalism".

The New York Times

And while you should have better investigated the situation before making the switch, that is a failure of competence; his declining to volunteer key facts is a failure of ethics.

The New York Times - Magazine

At very least it's a failure of ethics.

TechCrunch

Bob Satchwell, executive director of the Society of Editors, said the idea that the NoW scandal had shown up a failure of ethics across the industry was "total nonsense".

BBC

To do either knowingly is a failure of ethics.

Huffington Post

They also observed that the number of new trials increased after publication of the review and suggested that the strong pressure to publish and the failure of ethics committees to ensure the clinical relevance of new trials could be the main reasons.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The extent to which there has been a failure of journalistic ethics by Nine could conceivably be analysed at journalism schools around the country for decades to come.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then, within days, fellow journalists expressed reservations about his voyeur story; it was, as one widely shared piece had it, "a failure of journalistic ethics".

The Guardian - Books

As described by the SEC, Dell's actions were failures of strategy, ethics and leadership resulting from slick behavior, questionable board oversight, a lack of robust public accounting oversight, and absence of meaningful penalties by the capital markets regulatory system.

Forbes

The 217-page report describes an across-the-board failure of controls and ethics at almost every level of Enron, the Houston energy company.

The New York Times

Among the many problems cited: growing inequality between rich and poor people and rich and poor nations; the failure of law and ethics to keep pace with advances in science; environmental pollution; and the rapid spread of financial instability from one country to another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "failure of ethics", provide specific examples to support your claim and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid vague language when discussing a "failure of ethics". Clearly state which ethical principles were violated and the consequences of those violations. Using specific details strengthens your argument and improves clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure of ethics" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a situation or instance where ethical principles have been violated. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure of ethics" is a grammatically correct and usable term that describes situations where ethical principles have been violated. Ludwig confirms its validity and applicability in various contexts. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific sources, indicating its relevance in discussions about ethical responsibilities across different sectors. When using the phrase, it's best to provide specific examples to avoid vagueness and strengthen your claims. Alternatives include "ethical violation" and "ethical breach", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical violation

Focuses more directly on a specific instance of breaking ethical rules.

ethical breach

Similar to "ethical violation" but emphasizes a break or gap in ethical conduct.

lapse in ethics

Highlights a temporary or occasional failure in ethical behavior.

moral failure

Broader term encompassing any failure to meet moral standards, not strictly ethical ones.

ethical misconduct

Suggests a deliberate or intentional failure to adhere to ethical guidelines.

ethical compromise

Emphasizes a situation where ethical principles are sacrificed, often for expediency.

decline in ethical standards

Suggests a gradual deterioration of ethics within a group or organization.

erosion of ethics

Similar to decline, but implies a more gradual and subtle decay of ethical values.

lack of integrity

Highlights the absence of honesty and strong moral principles.

ethical deficiency

Focuses on a specific shortage or absence of ethical qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "failure of ethics" in a sentence?

You can use "failure of ethics" to describe a situation where ethical principles have been violated. For example, "The company's decision to prioritize profit over safety was a clear failure of ethics." You could also use "ethical violation" or "ethical breach" as alternatives.

What's the difference between "failure of ethics" and "lack of ethics"?

"Failure of ethics" implies a specific instance or event where ethical principles were not followed, whereas "lack of ethics" suggests a general absence of ethical principles or moral compass. The term "moral failure" could also apply.

What are some synonyms for "failure of ethics"?

Synonyms include "ethical lapse", "ethical violation", "ethical misconduct", or "moral failure", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "failure of ethics" a formal or informal term?

"Failure of ethics" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, be sure to provide specific examples and evidence to support your claim. In some context the term "lack of integrity" might also be used.