lacking integrity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking integrity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not adhere to moral or ethical principles. Example: "The company's decision to cut corners on safety regulations shows that they are truly lacking integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They're perceived as lacking integrity.

Harvard Business Review

Her opponent, Tony Castro, is described as person with a little less experience but not lacking integrity.

The New York Times

"Are you suggesting this story is much ado about nothing, that this is lacking integrity, this story in USA Today?" Mr. Smiley asked.

The New York Times

Be anything other than truly authentic in your marketing and you'll come across as insincere and lacking integrity.

Forbes

That's because their objective isn't to punish wayward contractors, but to protect the government from those lacking integrity.

Forbes

Last month Schroepfer faced five hours of close and at times angry questions from the committee, with members accusing his employer of lacking integrity and displaying a pattern of intentionally deceptive behavior.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And by definition, cheaters lack integrity, sportsmanship and character.

The New Yorker

Some have suggested that our system lacks integrity and security.

The Washington Post

"This particular ad was dishonorable and lacked integrity and manufactured reality.

The New York Times

The commissioner's head of enforcement, Stephen Eckersley, said: "This company lacked integrity.

The Guardian - Money

"The national tallying process lacks integrity and has to be stopped".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce your message, consider pairing "lacking integrity" with a related term that emphasizes a specific aspect of the deficiency, such as "lacking integrity and accountability."

Common error

Avoid using "lacking integrity" without providing context. Instead of simply stating someone lacks integrity, specify which actions or decisions demonstrate this deficiency to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking integrity" primarily functions as an adjective phrase used to describe a noun (person, organization, system) that does not possess or demonstrate moral and ethical principles. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating this descriptive function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking integrity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a deficiency in moral and ethical principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is found across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While relatively straightforward in its meaning, it is important to use it judiciously, providing supporting evidence when possible to strengthen the claim and avoid vague accusations. Consider alternatives like "dishonest", "unethical" or "untrustworthy" to better suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of integrity

Emphasizes the complete absence of integrity.

without integrity

A more direct and simple way to express the absence of integrity.

dishonest

Focuses specifically on the lack of truthfulness.

untrustworthy

Highlights the inability to be trusted or relied upon.

unethical

Focuses on the violation of moral principles.

corrupt

Suggests moral decay or impurity, often in positions of power.

unprincipled

Highlights the absence of guiding moral principles.

of dubious character

Suggests that someone's moral qualities are questionable.

morally bankrupt

Implies a complete absence of moral values.

deficient in ethics

Formally expresses the absence of ethical behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking integrity" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking integrity" to describe a person, organization, or system that doesn't adhere to ethical principles. For example, "The CEO's decision to hide the safety issues showed that the company was "lacking integrity"".

What are some alternatives to "lacking integrity"?

Alternatives include "dishonest", "unethical", or "untrustworthy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say someone "lacks integrity" or is "devoid of integrity"?

"Lacks integrity" and "devoid of integrity" are similar, but "devoid of integrity" emphasizes a complete absence. The choice depends on the degree of deficiency you want to express. For example: In politics, a leader that is "lacking integrity" should not be in that place.

How does "lacking integrity" differ from "lacking honesty"?

"Lacking honesty" refers specifically to a lack of truthfulness, while "lacking integrity" encompasses a broader absence of moral principles and ethical behavior. Therefore, someone "lacking honesty" might only tell lies, but someone "lacking integrity" might be dishonest, unfair, and unethical.