moral dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral dilemma" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation that requires a choice of ethical action that would result in an equally dissatisfactory outcome. For example: "The politician faced a moral dilemma when deciding whether to vote for a bill that would increase taxes, or to vote against it and face potential backlash from constituents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the moral dilemma remains.

The Guardian

What is your moral dilemma?

The New York Times

That's the moral dilemma confounding Maj.

The New York Times - Books

For Goodwin, this presented a moral dilemma.

The Guardian

All of which raises a fascinating moral dilemma.

Independent

"I had a moral dilemma, unlike most informants".

The New York Times - Magazine

The moral dilemma for everyone here is real.

Independent

"It's like a moral dilemma," Mr. Haslam said.

The New York Times

The moral dilemma in Brooklyn is utterly modern.

Independent

He also best captured the moral dilemma of mine warfare.

The New York Times

As the trial progresses he finds himself in moral dilemma.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "moral dilemma", ensure that the situation genuinely involves a conflict between ethical principles, where choosing one option necessarily violates another. Providing context about the specific values in conflict enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "moral dilemma" to describe situations where the choice is simply between right and wrong. A true moral dilemma involves two or more conflicting ethical principles, not just a decision between good and bad.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a situation involving conflicting moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral dilemma" is a commonly used term to describe situations that involve a conflict between different moral imperatives, according to Ludwig AI. The examples and analysis highlight its frequent use in news and media, as well as in scientific and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the situation involves a genuine conflict between ethical principles, making any choice unsatisfactory. While often used correctly, it's important to avoid misusing it for simple choices between right and wrong. Alternatives like "ethical quandary" or "moral conflict" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral conflict

Directly replaces 'ethical' with 'moral', maintaining a very high degree of similarity.

ethical quandary

Focuses specifically on ethical challenges, often implying a complex and difficult situation.

ethical conflict

Highlights the clash between competing ethical principles or values.

ethical problem

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation from an ethical perspective.

difficult ethical choice

Describes the need to make a choice with ethical ramifications.

moral issue

Refers to the ethical or moral significance of the question or situation.

moral bind

Implies a difficult situation where one is constrained by moral considerations.

conflict of values

Indicates a situation where deeply held beliefs are at odds, creating a difficult choice.

moral crossroads

Suggests a critical decision point with significant moral implications.

ethical tightrope

Implies walking a line between two unsatisfactory options.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral dilemma" to describe a situation where a person faces two or more conflicting moral obligations, and choosing one means violating the other. For example: "The doctor faced a "moral dilemma" when deciding whether to respect the patient's wishes or to prolong their life."

What's the difference between "moral dilemma" and "ethical problem"?

"Moral dilemma" implies a conflict between two or more moral principles, where any choice results in violating one. "Ethical problem", on the other hand, is a broader term for any situation presenting ethical concerns or requiring an ethical solution.

What can I say instead of "moral dilemma"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "ethical quandary", "moral conflict", or "conflict of values".

Is a "moral dilemma" always a difficult situation?

Yes, by definition, a "moral dilemma" involves a difficult situation because it requires choosing between conflicting moral imperatives, with no option being fully satisfactory.