moral deficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral deficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of moral principles or ethical standards in a person or situation. Example: "The actions of the politician revealed a troubling moral deficiency that raised questions about his integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

These people suffer from a sort of moral deficiency.

The New York Times

Who brandish unlawful status as proof of immigrants' moral deficiency rather than the bankruptcy of our laws.

The New York Times

Similarly, the Chinese media manufacture "inherent" moral deficiency and characteristics of the nongmin in order to justify their lack of rights and entitlements.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the brief, she and her colleagues asserted that "adolescent criminal conduct frequently results from experimentation with risky behavior and not from deep-seated moral deficiency reflective of 'bad' character".

The New Yorker

It was a drama that looked the part, wearing its period detail for purpose rather than show, its handsome set pieces – floating scenes of dicky bows, diamonds and furs, champagne floozies, a juggling dwarf on the table – evoking a profligacy and moral deficiency that spoke of Britain's decline as much as the ominous flickering of light bulbs and rubbish glimpsed piling up in the street.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

During the past decade the dramas that helped define television — "The Sopranos," "The Wire," "Damages" — equated professional striving with dark moral deficiency, while comedies like "Sex and the City" and "Friends" imagined the urban playground as the great priority of adult life.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Complaining about shops and their moral deficiencies is necessary but insufficient.

The Guardian - Opinion

History suggests that focusing on the moral deficiencies of other peoples simply underscores our own.

The New York Times

There have been grievous moral deficiencies on both sides in the war with Iraq.

The New Yorker

Cronin's view of sport's moral deficiencies is either depressing or realistic, depending on your point of view.

Independent

Perhaps it's because politicians in all countries affected have successfully framed the crisis not only in terms of economic errors but also but also moral deficiencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and formal writing, "moral deficiency" can effectively pinpoint specific ethical problems or failures within systems or individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "moral deficiency" as a personal insult or to broadly condemn individuals without specific evidence of ethical failings. This can lead to accusatory and unproductive dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral deficiency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase. It describes a lack of moral principles or ethical standards.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral deficiency" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting a lack of ethical principles. Ludwig, shows that it commonly appears in news articles, academic discussions, and encyclopedic entries, serving to critique or analyze unethical behavior. While effective in identifying moral failings, care should be taken to avoid overly judgmental applications, particularly in personal contexts. Related phrases like "ethical shortcoming" and "lack of integrity" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. It's essential to use "moral deficiency" thoughtfully, grounding its application in specific evidence rather than broad generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of moral fiber

Emphasizes a weakness in one's moral constitution or character.

ethical shortcoming

Highlights a specific failing in ethical conduct or judgment.

moral failing

Focuses on a specific instance of moral lapse or transgression.

absence of moral compass

Suggests a lack of guidance or direction in ethical decision-making.

lack of integrity

Indicates a deficiency in honesty, trustworthiness, and moral principles.

ethical bankruptcy

Implies a complete depletion of ethical principles or values.

moral weakness

Highlights a susceptibility to temptation or a lack of moral strength.

defective conscience

Suggests an impaired or malfunctioning sense of right and wrong.

principled deficit

Underscores a lack of adherence to principles or moral standards.

moral laxity

Conveys a relaxed or lenient approach to moral standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral deficiency" to describe a lack of ethical principles or standards in a person or a situation. For example, "The politician's actions revealed a concerning "moral deficiency"."

What are some alternatives to "moral deficiency"?

Alternatives to "moral deficiency" include "ethical shortcoming", "moral failing", or "lack of integrity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "moral deficiency" and "ethical lapse"?

"Moral deficiency" suggests a more general and ongoing lack of moral principles, while "ethical lapse" refers to a specific instance of failing to meet ethical standards.

Is it appropriate to use "moral deficiency" in formal writing?

Yes, "moral deficiency" is appropriate in formal writing when discussing ethical issues, failures in moral reasoning, or shortcomings in character. However, it's crucial to use it objectively and avoid accusatory language.