lack of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where an individual does not feel guilt or remorse for their actions. Example: "His lack of conscience allowed him to manipulate others without any feelings of regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A drama of a lack of conscience.

The Guardian

"He had a complete lack of conscience about it".

The New Yorker

"He's got the coldest lack of conscience I've ever seen," she said.

The New York Times

Robots on the battlefield may save a lot of American lives, but the problem arising from this would be the lack of conscience to start a war.

The New York Times

And not because of these girls – the mistakes of youthful radicalism can be forgiven – but for the state, which is profaning Russia with its utter lack of conscience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democrats flatter themselves with the mirror image of this fantasy, of course, pretending to be envious of the robotic efficiency of Republicans and the freedom of action allowed them by their utter lack of conscience or shame.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The lack of social conscience is appalling.

The New York Times

She seems inured to the girls' tales of giving blow jobs behind the gym, but she describes with real dismay her patients' lack of any "conscience, generosity".

The New Yorker

Being in the minority, he has no other choice". The Soviet trial judge is not the only one who has taken this attitude to indicate a lack of social conscience.

Stanford University

What I'm wondering is how Dr. Kiehl or Robert Hare would reconcile the traits that are sure to be apparent (egocentricity, ruthlessness, lack of social conscience, and a single-minded sense of purpose) in a successful businessperson with the lack of other traits I suspect are included in the Psychopathy Checklist, such as a lack of realistic long-term goals?

The New Yorker

In his second book, "Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work," written with Paul Babiack, Hare flirts with pop psychology when he points out that many traits that may be desirable in a corporate context, such as ruthlessness, lack of social conscience, and single-minded devotion to success, would be considered psychopathic outside of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of conscience", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area where conscience is absent, such as in business dealings, personal relationships, or political actions.

Common error

While "lack of conscience" is a strong phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives like "absence of scruples" or "moral deficiency" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of conscience" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to describe the absence of moral or ethical considerations in an individual or entity. Ludwig examples show it being used to characterize behavior, decisions, and even political climates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of conscience" is a noun phrase employed to denote the absence of moral or ethical considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily within News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While the phrase has neutral register, it serves the purpose of condemning behaviors and actions. It is important to consider the ethical implications and maintain varied language to ensure impact. Alternative phrases such as "absence of scruples" can provide nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of scruples

Emphasizes the lack of moral principles that prevent someone from doing something bad.

moral deficiency

Focuses on the lack of moral qualities or principles.

ethical bankruptcy

Highlights a complete failure in ethical standards.

lack of moral compass

Indicates an inability to distinguish right from wrong.

callousness

Refers to insensitivity and a lack of concern for others.

unscrupulousness

Highlights the absence of moral principles in business or other dealings.

moral void

Suggests an emptiness or absence of moral values.

ethical deficit

Emphasizes a shortage or insufficiency in ethical considerations.

lack of empathy

Focuses on the inability to understand or share the feelings of others.

indifference to morality

Indicates a lack of interest or concern regarding moral principles.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of conscience" to describe someone's behavior or actions when they show no remorse or guilt. For example, "His "lack of conscience" allowed him to exploit others without hesitation."

What's a good alternative to "lack of conscience"?

Alternatives include "absence of scruples", "moral deficiency", or "ethical bankruptcy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lack of conscience" in formal writing?

Yes, "lack of conscience" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing ethical or moral issues. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids accusatory language.

What distinguishes "lack of conscience" from "lack of empathy"?

"Lack of conscience" refers to an absence of moral or ethical considerations, while "lack of empathy" specifically indicates an inability to understand or share the feelings of others. The former relates to moral principles, while the latter concerns emotional understanding.