moral debasement

USAGE SUMMARY

'moral debasement' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone's morality has been compromised. For example, "The moral debasement of the characters in the novel reflects the deep-rooted corruption in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

David Hare, the great dramatic navigator of our life, times and moral debasement, has been lamenting the surfeit of bodies in television drama.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was also a hard education in Chinese life, with its jumble of poverty, grit, moral debasement, opportunism, inventiveness and gullibility, as well as its moments of astonishing kindness and generosity.

The New York Times - Books

In 1983, the author, a dissident writer and artist, embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage from Beijing to Tibet, but his journey detoured into a three-year immersion in Chinese life, with its jumble of poverty, grit, moral debasement, opportunism and generosity.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The careless use of "dissident" in the Irish and British media is a debasement of language as it implies intellectual and moral fiber that the rejectionists plainly do not possess.

University of California, Berkeley

Further bagel debasement followed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Artie's debasement is palpable.

The New Yorker

And now we are seeing the debasement.

The Telegraph

He would have preëmpted all future debasement.

The New Yorker

The famous Debasement Bar is located in the Old Graduate College.

Princeton University

Their success would not be seen as a debasement.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what you call a partial debasement," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral debasement" when you want to emphasize a decline in ethical or moral standards, particularly in a societal or cultural context. It suggests a significant lowering of values.

Common error

Avoid using "moral debasement" to describe mere differences in opinion or disagreements on ethical issues. The phrase implies a significant and widespread decline in fundamental moral principles, not just a difference of perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral debasement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or process related to the lowering or corruption of moral values. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral debasement" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a decline in moral standards, as confirmed by Ludwig. Although relatively rare in usage, it is suitable for formal contexts such as news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. Its primary function is to express concern or criticism about the lowering of ethical values. Related phrases include "moral degradation" and "moral decay", each with subtle differences in meaning. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure it reflects a genuine decline in moral principles rather than a mere difference of opinion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral degradation

This alternative emphasizes the process of declining moral standards.

moral corruption

A more direct and general term for the decay of morals.

moral decay

This term suggests a gradual decline in moral values, similar to the deterioration of physical structures.

moral decline

Focuses on the downward trajectory of moral principles within a society or individual.

debasement of values

Highlights the lowering of the worth or quality of moral principles.

corruption of morals

Highlights the tainting and spoiling of moral integrity.

moral degeneration

Indicates a deterioration from a higher moral state to a lower one.

moral putrefaction

Suggests a more severe and repulsive form of moral corruption.

ethical erosion

Emphasizes the gradual wearing away of ethical standards.

descent into immorality

Emphasizes the active movement towards a state lacking moral principles.

FAQs

How can "moral debasement" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "The film explores the "moral debasement" of individuals within a corrupt political system" or "The constant exposure to violence in media contributes to the "moral debasement" of society."

What is the difference between "moral debasement" and "moral corruption"?

"Moral corruption" refers to the state of being morally impure or damaged, while "moral debasement" implies a process or action that lowers the moral quality or value of something. Although similar, "moral debasement" suggests a degradation from a previously higher standard.

What are some synonyms for "moral debasement"?

Synonyms include "moral degradation", "moral decay", "ethical erosion", and "corruption of morals", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "moral debasement" a formal or informal term?

"Moral debasement" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for academic, journalistic, or literary contexts. It's not typically used in casual conversation.