lapse in ethics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lapse in ethics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone fails to adhere to ethical standards or principles. Example: "The company's recent decision to cut corners on safety regulations represents a serious lapse in ethics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But, responding to questions from reporters, Mr. Schundler said that it appeared that there had been a lapse in ethics.

The New York Times

But painting every kind of bad behavior as a lapse in ethics cheapens a term that should be reserved for discussions of core moral values and their implications.

The New York Times

Compared with most TV documentaries these days, neither Fyre film appears to be guilty of what viewers are likely to consider an egregious lapse in ethics.

The Washington Post

Diana Lam, the ousted deputy chancellor of the New York City public schools, said in an interview yesterday that she believed it was largely politics, not a lapse in ethics, behind her abrupt dismissal on Monday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Indeed, in previous studies we've shown that lack of sleep is directly linked to lapses in ethics.

Harvard Business Review

The costs of these lapses in ethics can be costly both in terms of financial metrics (fines for fraud, bankruptcies, etc). and employee morale.

The Washington Post

The downsides of this style for example, lapses in ethics, cutting corners, and running roughshod over people were too often winked at.

University of California, Berkeley

We think of ourselves as doing the People's work, and write off lapses in ethics and practices as potholes on the way to a Greater Truth.

The New York Times

As long as we continue to support an agribusiness system that separates consumers from producers, we leave ourselves vulnerable to lapses in ethics that weaken our policies and endanger us.

The New York Times

But the pratfalls have been tough to miss, including fundamental lapses in ethics: Casey Anthony, accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, was acquitted of that offense in spite of significant evidence.

The New York Times

We watch CEOs with great track records get dismissed for lapses in ethics.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "lapse in ethics", provide specific details about the ethical principles that were violated and the context in which the lapse occurred. This adds credibility and clarity to your analysis.

Common error

Do not broadly label actions as a "lapse in ethics" without pinpointing the specific ethical codes or principles that were compromised. Vague accusations can weaken your argument and diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapse in ethics" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it often describes a specific instance or occurrence where ethical standards have not been met.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lapse in ethics" is a phrase used to describe a failure to adhere to ethical principles. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and academia. While there are various alternative phrases such as ""ethical violation"" or "moral transgression", "lapse in ethics" specifically suggests a temporary or isolated incident. When using this phrase, it is important to provide specific details about the ethical principles that were violated. Overall, understanding the nuances of "lapse in ethics" can contribute to more precise and effective communication in discussions of ethical conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure of ethics

A more direct and general way of describing a breakdown in ethical behavior.

ethical violation

Focuses more directly on the breaking of a specific ethical rule or principle.

ethical breach

Similar to ethical violation, but emphasizes the breaking or disruption of ethical standards.

moral transgression

Highlights the moral aspect of the failure, suggesting a deeper ethical wrongdoing.

ethical oversight

Implies a failure to adequately monitor or consider ethical implications.

ethical compromise

Suggests a situation where ethical principles were sacrificed or weakened.

decline in ethical standards

Indicates a gradual deterioration of ethical practices over time.

compromised ethics

Highlights how ethical principles were not fully respected, hinting at external pressures.

ethical misstep

Similar to slip-up, implying a slight error in ethical judgment or action.

ethical slip-up

Downplays the severity, suggesting a minor and unintentional ethical mistake.

FAQs

What are some examples of a "lapse in ethics"?

Examples of a "lapse in ethics" can include conflicts of interest, misuse of company resources, or failure to disclose important information. These are instances where ethical principles are compromised.

What is the difference between a "lapse in ethics" and an "ethical violation"?

A "lapse in ethics" suggests a temporary failure in ethical judgment, while an "ethical violation" typically implies a more deliberate and significant breach of ethical standards.

How serious is a "lapse in ethics"?

The seriousness of a "lapse in ethics" depends on the context and the severity of the ethical breach. Some lapses may be minor oversights, while others can have significant consequences.

What are the potential consequences of a "lapse in ethics"?

Consequences of a "lapse in ethics" can range from damage to reputation and loss of trust to legal penalties and financial repercussions. The severity depends on the nature and impact of the lapse.