lacking in moral principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking in moral principles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not adhere to ethical standards or values. Example: "The politician's actions were clearly lacking in moral principles, leading to widespread public outrage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A person acts as if he were totally lacking in moral principle and unhampered by intelligence.

The New Yorker

Critics point to this dynamic and accuse companies of lacking either moral principles or legal grounds.

Los Angeles Times

Since Kant holds moral virtue to be a trait grounded in moral principle, the boundary between non-moral and moral virtues could not be more sharp.

SEP

Either out of boredom, exhaustion or lack of moral principle, many relevant voices in American society have chosen to normalize Trump's relentless racist messaging on immigration.

The Washington Post

The liberals helped elect Jimmy Carter in 1976, the conservatives Ronald Reagan in 1980 — presidents who, despite their many differences, shared a deep hostility to the lack of moral principle at the heart of Nixon-era foreign policy.

The New York Times - Books

Lacking in basic morals, if you know what I mean.

The Guardian - Books

The Armenians, Davis claims, lack religious and moral principles.

The New York Times - Books

It was utterly lacking in substance – legal, moral or otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

For him, stable and effective moral agency requires empathy in order for moral principles to have a motivational basis in an agent's psychology.

SEP

Each of these approaches aims to supply what is seen to be lacking in conventional education, whether moral or ethical principles or recognition of children's individual learning styles and innate creativity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some people put in cause the moral principles of the players".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lacking in moral principles", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the absence of ethical considerations. Provide specific examples to support your claim and avoid vague accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking in moral principles" in situations where the ethical breach is minor or debatable. Reserve it for instances involving significant and demonstrable violations of established moral standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in moral principles" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically used to describe a person, group, or action that does not adhere to a standard set of ethics or morals. It specifies a deficiency in ethical conduct or moral reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking in moral principles" is an adjectival phrase used to describe a deficiency in ethical conduct. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and primarily found in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. The phrase serves to critique behaviors considered unethical, conveying a failure to uphold moral standards. Alternatives like "devoid of ethics" or "morally bankrupt" can be used depending on the context. When employing this phrase, it’s crucial to provide clear evidence of ethical breaches and to avoid hyperbolic usage in minor or debatable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of ethics

Focuses on the complete absence of ethical considerations.

morally bankrupt

Emphasizes a state of ethical ruin or depletion.

unethical behavior

Highlights actions that violate moral codes.

absence of moral compass

Suggests a lack of internal guidance in ethical decision-making.

without moral fiber

Implies a weakness or deficiency in moral character.

unprincipled conduct

Underscores behavior that is not guided by established principles.

deficient in ethics

Directly states a shortage or inadequacy in ethical standards.

ethically compromised

Suggests that integrity has been damaged or undermined.

morally lax

Implies a relaxed or careless approach to moral obligations.

wanting in integrity

Focuses on the lack of honesty and strong moral principles.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "lacking in moral principles"?

Saying someone is "lacking in moral principles" means they don't adhere to widely accepted standards of right and wrong. It suggests a deficiency in their ethical framework, leading them to make decisions that may be considered immoral or unethical.

How can I use "lacking in moral principles" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking in moral principles" to describe individuals, organizations, or actions. For example: "The company's decision to pollute the river showed they were "lacking in moral principles"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lacking in moral principles"?

Alternatives include "devoid of ethics", "morally bankrupt", or "unethical behavior". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "lacking in moral principles" a formal or informal phrase?

"Lacking in moral principles" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for use in both news reporting and academic writing. More informal options might include saying someone "doesn't have a conscience" or "has no morals".