moral conundrum

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral conundrum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a difficult ethical or moral decision or a complex situation involving conflicting values. For example, "The mayor was presented with a moral conundrum when deciding whether or not to raise taxes to fund a community project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This left him with a moral conundrum.

Independent

It is the same moral conundrum in the end.

The Guardian - Opinion

Balthus sticks us with a moral conundrum, because he can.

The New Yorker

As a moral conundrum — Is great art worth the loss of human life?

The New Yorker

More film gris than film noir, it offers a biting moral conundrum at every turn.

The Guardian - Film

Moral conundrum aside, meat is an inefficient means to our protein, whether it be game or feedlot-raised.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Moral conundrums aside, the incident revealed a fading patch of British culture.

The New York Times - Books

Just walking in Midtown will confront him with all sorts of temptations and moral conundrums.

The New York Times

By Laura Miller Francis Spufford's tale keeps America's moral conundrums ever in its sights.

The New Yorker

EVERY now and then, we get to see public officials wrestling with moral conundrums.

The New York Times

His work is earnest, serious and acutely aware of the contradictions and moral conundrums facing his country and its enemies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral conundrum", clearly outline the conflicting values or principles that create the challenging situation. This provides context and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid substituting "moral conundrum" in simple situations where a basic decision is required. This phrase is best reserved for genuinely complex ethical situations, not everyday choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral conundrum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of problem or challenge, namely one involving ethical or moral considerations. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing situations where difficult moral choices must be made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral conundrum" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes a complex situation posing a difficult ethical or moral choice. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and business contexts. While alternatives like "ethical dilemma" exist, "moral conundrum" often suggests a more intricate and puzzling problem. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves conflicting values to avoid overuse. Remember, clarity in outlining the conflicting principles is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical dilemma

Focuses specifically on ethical principles, implying a conflict between different moral imperatives.

moral dilemma

A problem forcing a choice between two or more moral imperatives, none of which is unambiguously acceptable.

ethical quandary

Similar to dilemma, but emphasizes the state of uncertainty or perplexity.

moral quandary

Highlights the perplexing and difficult nature of the moral problem.

ethical problem

A more general term for a situation presenting ethical challenges.

moral problem

A more general term for a situation presenting moral challenges.

ethical paradox

Highlights the contradictory nature of the ethical situation.

moral paradox

Highlights the contradictory nature of the moral situation.

ethical conflict

Focuses on the clash of ethical values or principles.

moral conflict

Focuses on the clash of moral values or principles.

FAQs

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

Use "moral conundrum" to describe a complex situation presenting a difficult ethical or moral choice. For example, "The company faced a "moral conundrum" when deciding whether to prioritize profit or environmental sustainability."

What can I say instead of "moral conundrum"?

You can use alternatives like "ethical dilemma", "moral dilemma", or "ethical quandary" depending on the context.

Is "moral dilemma" or "moral conundrum" more appropriate?

Both "moral dilemma" and "moral conundrum" are appropriate, but "moral dilemma" is more commonly used. "Moral conundrum" suggests a more intricate and puzzling problem.

What's the difference between a "moral conundrum" and a "moral issue"?

A "moral issue" is a general topic with moral implications. A "moral conundrum" is a specific, complex situation with conflicting moral considerations.