moral compromises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral compromises" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing situations where ethical principles are adjusted or sacrificed for practical reasons. For example: "In order to reach a consensus, the team had to make several moral compromises." Alternative expressions include "ethical trade-offs," "ethical concessions," and "principled sacrifices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But, as always, he faced moral compromises.

The New York Times - Books

This is serious horse-trading, full of moral compromises.

The New Yorker

Her moral compromises are clearly declared; her fanatical devotion to Israel, she acknowledges, undermined her marriage.

The New York Times

Both characters make moral compromises that would have been unthinkable previously.

The Guardian - Books

It's a gritty, troubling film that shows the moral compromises that war forces on all sides.

The Guardian - Film

More complicated than "Network," though, "The Insider" also shows the good guys making their own moral compromises.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the professional left — like the professional right — often considers pragmatism a moral compromise.

The New York Times

To be an Elder was, by definition, to risk the charge of moral compromise.

The New Yorker

The problem of moral compromise is at the center of the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

The New York Times - Books

In the midst of all that moral compromise, Palin appears to have backbone.

The New York Times - Magazine

He nails the scene in which Ken ridicules Rothko's blindness to the moral compromise the Four Seasons job represents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex situations, use "moral compromises" to acknowledge the difficult choices and trade-offs involved.

Common error

Avoid using "moral compromises" as a euphemism to downplay unethical behavior. Clearly address the ethical implications of the compromises made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral compromises" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition, describing situations where individuals or groups adjust or sacrifice their ethical principles for a particular outcome. Ludwig examples, as well as similar contexts, reinforce this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral compromises" is a correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes scenarios where ethical principles are adjusted or sacrificed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While often carrying a negative connotation, recognizing when "ethical trade-offs" or "principled sacrifices" are unavoidable is crucial, but avoid downplaying the ethical implications. Remember to be mindful of how and when you’re using it, and don’t use it as a euphemism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical trade-offs

Emphasizes the exchange of one ethical consideration for another.

ethical concessions

Highlights the act of yielding on ethical principles.

principled sacrifices

Focuses on the intentional giving up of principles for a perceived greater good.

compromised ethics

Indicates that ethical standards have been diminished or weakened.

waiving principles

Implies a temporary setting aside of one's principles.

bending moral rules

Suggests a flexible interpretation or application of moral rules.

sacrificing values

Highlights the loss of important values in a decision or action.

relativizing morals

Emphasizes the adaptation of morals to different situations.

diluting ethics

Suggests a weakening or watering down of ethical standards.

negotiated morals

Focuses on the process of reaching agreements that involve adjusting moral positions.

FAQs

How can I use "moral compromises" in a sentence?

You can use "moral compromises" to describe situations where individuals or groups have to sacrifice some ethical principles to achieve a goal. For example, "The negotiator had to make several "moral compromises" to secure the peace treaty".

What are some alternatives to "moral compromises"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ethical trade-offs", "principled sacrifices", or "ethical concessions".

Is it always negative to make "moral compromises"?

Not necessarily. While the phrase often carries a negative connotation, "moral compromises" can be necessary in certain situations to achieve a greater good or to prevent a worse outcome. The key is to be aware of the ethical implications and to make the decisions consciously.

What's the difference between "moral compromises" and "ethical dilemmas"?

"Moral compromises" involve choosing between options that all involve some ethical sacrifices. "Ethical dilemmas", on the other hand, are situations where there is no clear right or wrong answer, and any choice will likely violate some ethical principle.