moral degradation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral degradation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline in moral standards or values within an individual or society. Example: "The rise in crime rates and corruption has led to a noticeable moral degradation in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I never saw such moral degradation.

The New York Times

The moral degradation finds him even in his cab.

The Guardian

For that is exactly how tyrants have always engaged in the moral degradation of their followers.

The New Yorker

The case of Aleksandr Tvardovsky exemplified the way families could be torn apart by moral degradation.

The New York Times - Books

Lev suffered most; the moral degradation he saw in the camps at times made him lose hope.

The Guardian - Books

Inflation is even more a sign of moral degradation: it means reneging on promises, rewarding spendthrifts and penalising savers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

We were disgusted with the random attacks on women and even more ashamed by most media that focused on the so-called moral degradations — girls' drinking and smoking and going with boys — than the assaults by these communal thugs.

The New York Times

"Bureaucracy, corruption, wastefulness, social vices and moral and lifestyle degradation have not been prevented".

The New York Times

In those early days of postwar euphoria, there were a few prominent Israelis who dared to warn of the moral and political degradation that would come with the occupation.

The New Yorker

The obvious and admitted evils of war are stressed the human suffering and loss of life, the economic damage, and, perhaps above all, the moral and spiritual degradation war brings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Embrace of the Serpent," from Colombian director Ciro Guerra, reveals in startling black-and-white cinematography the majesty of the land and the degradation – moral and otherwise – colonialism wrought on the indigenous tribes of the Amazon.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral degradation", consider providing specific examples to illustrate the decline in moral values you are referencing.

Common error

While "moral degradation" is a valid phrase, it carries a serious tone. Avoid using it in casual conversation or lighthearted contexts where a less intense term would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral degradation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly denotes a decline in moral standards. For example, one might say, "He witnessed the moral degradation of Germany itself."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral degradation" is a noun phrase used to describe a decline in moral standards. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It commonly appears in news and media, academic, and encyclopedia sources to express concern about declining ethics. While the phrase is valid, consider its serious tone and replace it with synonyms like "moral decline", "ethical decay", or "erosion of values" for a lighter context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral decline

Focuses on the process of decreasing moral quality or standards.

ethical decay

Emphasizes the deterioration of ethical principles and values.

decline in morality

Highlights the reduction or weakening of moral principles within a society or individual.

erosion of values

Suggests a gradual wearing away of important moral values.

moral corruption

Implies a state of dishonesty or wickedness, often involving abuse of power.

spiritual decay

Focuses on the decline of spiritual or religious values.

decadence

Suggests a state of moral or cultural decline characterized by excessive indulgence.

moral bankruptcy

Implies a complete lack of moral values or principles.

breakdown of ethics

Emphasizes the failure or collapse of a system of ethical rules or principles.

loss of virtue

Focuses on the disappearance or absence of moral excellence.

FAQs

What does "moral degradation" mean?

The term "moral degradation" refers to a decline in moral standards and values within a society or individual. It suggests a worsening of ethical behavior and principles.

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

You can use "moral degradation" to describe situations where moral values are declining. For example: "The constant exposure to violence in media can lead to "moral degradation" among young people."

What are some synonyms for "moral degradation"?

Synonyms for "moral degradation" include "moral decline", "ethical decay", and "erosion of values".

Is "moral degradation" the same as "moral decay"?

While both terms suggest a decline in morality, "moral degradation" often implies a more severe or advanced stage of decline compared to "moral decay". "Moral decay" can be a precursor to "moral degradation".