moral deviation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral deviation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a departure from accepted moral standards or norms. Example: "The study examined the factors contributing to moral deviation among adolescents in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"God forbid, we should avoid these kinds of sport clubs' being used as a place for moral deviation," Mr. Ghrob said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Vatican warned that concentration on the physical aspects of meditation "can degenerate into a cult of the body" and that equating bodily states with mysticism "could also lead to psychic disturbance and, at times, to moral deviations".

Wikipedia

And, if common human nature proves consistent, each mounting victory by those without any moral constraint will lead to greater and greater deviations from anything those with functioning moral compasses consider to be norms.

Huffington Post

The ethical egoist might reply that, if predominant egoism is true, ethical egoism may require less deviation from our ordinary actions than any standard moral theory.

SEP

Gender plays a large role within Fielding's moral critique, and effeminacy is a means to emphasise a male character's moral shortcomings or problematic deviations from social and cultural traditions.

Wikipedia

Everything is a deviation.

The New Yorker

No standard deviation here.

The New Yorker

Nimmo immediately challenged: 'Deviation!

The Guardian

A rare deviation.

The Guardian

Moral issues.

The New Yorker

The moral?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "moral deviation", provide specific context to clarify the moral framework being referenced, as moral standards can vary across cultures and communities.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating "moral deviation" with inherent malice. Deviation simply means differing from a norm, which may not always be negative or malicious, depending on the specific moral code and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral deviation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act or instance of diverging from accepted moral standards. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, to describe a departure from accepted moral standards or norms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral deviation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the act of diverging from established moral norms. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is employed across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions, indicating a generally neutral register. When using "moral deviation", it's essential to provide context to the relevant moral framework and avoid automatically associating it with negative intent. Alternative phrases such as "ethical transgression" or "moral lapse" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical transgression

This alternative emphasizes the crossing of ethical boundaries, suggesting a more active violation.

moral lapse

This suggests a temporary failure in moral judgment or behavior, implying it's not a permanent state.

ethical breach

Similar to transgression, but often used in formal or professional contexts to denote a violation of ethical rules.

moral failing

This term highlights a weakness or flaw in one's moral character, leading to the deviation.

departure from moral principles

This phrase directly states the act of moving away from established moral guidelines, making it very explicit.

violation of ethics

A formal way of describing actions that contradict established ethical codes, suitable for professional contexts.

erosion of morals

This suggests a gradual decline in moral standards, rather than a single, defined act.

corruption of values

This alternative implies that underlying values have been tainted or compromised, leading to immoral actions.

moral non-compliance

This is a formal term emphasizing the failure to adhere to moral regulations or expectations.

decline in ethical standards

Focuses on a societal or group-level lowering of moral benchmarks, rather than individual actions.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The study explored the causes of "moral deviation" in young adults" or "The character's actions represented a significant "moral deviation" from the community's values."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "moral deviation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ethical transgression", "moral lapse", or "departure from moral principles".

Is "moral deviation" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it implies a departure from established moral norms, whether that departure is considered negative depends on the specific moral framework and the context of the deviation. Sometimes, challenging existing norms can lead to positive social change.

What's the difference between "moral deviation" and "ethical violation"?

"Moral deviation" generally refers to any departure from personal or societal moral standards. "Ethical violation" is more often used in professional or formal settings to describe a breach of specific ethical codes or rules.