lack of rectitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of rectitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency in moral integrity or honesty in someone's behavior or actions. Example: "The politician's lack of rectitude was evident in his dealings with lobbyists and campaign financing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Yi's main job, after all, was to propagate the leftist and often puritanical teachings of Mao Zedong and other Communist luminaries at a time when many Chinese have grown disenchanted by the seeming lack of rectitude among their leaders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was expelled from the Young Communists for lack of moral rectitude.

The New York Times

Maybe we should rethink our foreign policy from the ground up, rather than bombing someone else's country into dust to compensate for our lack of moral rectitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ann Inouye, a mortgage banker, said that she had been turned off by what she perceived to be a lack of moral rectitude in the Clinton White House and that she had found much to like in the Republican platform, even though she supports abortion rights.

The New York Times

In place of rectitude they feature sleaze and hypocrisy.

Huffington Post

Though Scandinavian, the show lacks the note of rectitude that from the nineteen-sixties onward tended to accompany artistic events about Nordic sex, as if to say to us that we were a bunch of prudes whereas they were wholesome folk who ate their muesli and then did 69 before getting in their Volvos and going to work.

The New Yorker

Its treasury is a bastion of rectitude.

The Economist

Tom is muddled and full of rectitude.

The New Yorker

Most of us know nonbelievers who are pillars of rectitude.

The New York Times

In a fit of rectitude, he cuts the lines..

The New Yorker

La féminité, in conjunction with feminism, unbound these structures of rectitude, undoing the family.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or the behavior of organizations, "lack of rectitude" provides a nuanced way to criticize without resorting to overly harsh language. It is less accusatory than terms like "corruption" or "dishonesty".

Common error

While "lack of rectitude" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "dishonesty" or "lack of integrity" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of rectitude" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and describes a deficiency in moral integrity or honesty. Example: "The politician's lack of rectitude was evident in his dealings with lobbyists and campaign financing."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of rectitude" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a deficiency in moral integrity. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and scientific writing, its formal tone makes it less suitable for informal settings. When using the phrase, consider alternatives such as "absence of integrity" or "moral deficiency" depending on the specific context. Remember that precision in language allows for expressing nuanced ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of integrity

Focuses on the complete absence of moral principles or honesty.

deficiency in honesty

Highlights the shortage or inadequacy of truthfulness and sincerity.

moral deficiency

Emphasizes the lack of moral qualities or virtues.

ethical shortcoming

Points out a failure to meet ethical standards or principles.

want of probity

Uses more formal language to indicate a lack of integrity and uprightness.

unethical conduct

Highlights behavior that does not conform to accepted principles of morality.

dishonest behavior

Directly refers to actions that are deceitful or untruthful.

lack of uprightness

Focuses on the absence of moral virtue and integrity.

moral bankruptcy

Suggests a complete depletion of moral values and principles.

absence of ethics

Emphasizes the total lack of a moral code or principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of rectitude" to describe a deficiency in moral integrity or honesty. For example: "The politician's lack of rectitude was evident in his dealings with lobbyists."

What are some alternatives to "lack of rectitude"?

Alternatives include "absence of integrity", "deficiency in honesty", or "moral deficiency", depending on the specific context.

Is "lack of rectitude" a formal expression?

Yes, "lack of rectitude" is a more formal expression. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms such as "dishonesty" or "lack of integrity".

What does "rectitude" mean?

"Rectitude" means moral correctness or righteousness. Therefore, "lack of rectitude" refers to a deficiency in moral uprightness.