moral disapproval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral disapproval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings or judgments regarding the ethical implications of someone's actions or behavior. Example: "The community expressed moral disapproval of the new policy, believing it to be unjust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But his demotion from the modernist canon has been prompted by moral disapproval as well.

The New Yorker

There has been plenty of news coverage, but no editorial outpouring of moral disapproval.

The Economist

It's easier to express moral disapproval than to pay higher prices.

The New York Times

In talking about "casino capitalism", George Osborne was consciously adopting the left's language of moral disapproval.

The Guardian - Opinion

Scorsese mounts the filthy, piggish behavior on such a grand scale that mere moral disapproval might seem squeamish, unimaginative, frightened.

The New Yorker

And Justice O'Connor wrote: "Unlike the moral disapproval of same-sex relations -- the asserted state interest in this case -- other reasons exist to promote the institution of marriage beyond mere moral disapproval of an excluded group".

The New York Times

It is not for journalists to undermine human rights … merely on grounds of taste or moral disapproval".

The Guardian

Van Niekerk resists the temptation to quarantine her self-satirizing dead-enders behind a barricade of moral disapproval.

The New York Times - Books

If I were on the anti-gay marriage side, I'd start wondering if I had the facts to shore up my moral disapproval.

The New Yorker

The court was clear that neither tradition nor the law's stated aim of showing "moral disapproval of homosexuality" were legitimate grounds to discriminate.

The New York Times

Moral disapproval underlay not just opposition to same-sex marriage, but also support for the whole panoply of laws and customs that have historically discriminated against gay people.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral disapproval", ensure the context clearly establishes the ethical or moral framework from which the disapproval stems. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid weakening the impact of "moral disapproval" by using overly general or ambiguous terms. Be specific about the actions or beliefs that elicit the disapproval and the moral principles involved.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "moral disapproval" is that of a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is commonly used to denote a negative judgment based on ethical principles, as seen in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral disapproval" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that conveys a negative judgment based on ethical principles. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase functions to express disagreement or condemnation. The phrase is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, where it serves to highlight ethical concerns. While alternatives such as "ethical condemnation" or "moral censure" exist, "moral disapproval" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, specifically detailing the actions and ethical framework prompting the disapproval. Overall, "moral disapproval" is a versatile term for expressing ethical concerns in many types of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disapproval on moral grounds

Explicitly states that the disapproval is based on moral principles.

moral condemnation

Similar to "moral disapproval" but carries a stronger sense of judgment and denunciation.

moral censure

Implies a formal or official expression of disapproval or blame.

ethical condemnation

Refers to a strong expression of disapproval based on ethical principles; implies a formal or severe judgment.

moral objection

Highlights disagreement based on moral principles, suggesting a reasoned stance against something.

moral denunciation

Denotes a public condemnation of someone or something on moral grounds.

ethical objection

Focuses on the ethical grounds for disagreement or opposition, rather than the emotional response.

disapproving attitude

Describes a general stance of disapproval, which may be less intense than explicit condemnation.

moral outrage

Indicates a strong emotional reaction of anger and shock towards something considered morally wrong.

negative judgment

A more neutral expression indicating a critical assessment without necessarily specifying a moral basis.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "moral disapproval" in a sentence?

To effectively use "moral disapproval", clearly state the subject of the disapproval and the ethical grounds behind it. For instance, "The public expressed "moral disapproval" of the company's environmental practices" clearly links the disapproval to a specific action and implies an ethical basis.

What are some alternatives to "moral disapproval" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "ethical objection", "moral condemnation", or "disapproving attitude". Each carries a slightly different nuance in terms of intensity and formality.

Is there a difference between "moral disapproval" and "moral condemnation"?

"Moral disapproval" generally indicates a feeling or expression of disagreement or dissatisfaction based on moral principles. "Moral condemnation", on the other hand, suggests a stronger, more formal expression of judgment and blame. The latter implies a more severe assessment.

Can "moral disapproval" be justified in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "moral disapproval" alone is generally not considered a sufficient justification for discriminatory laws. As seen in discussions surrounding same-sex marriage, legal arguments must typically extend beyond mere "moral disapproval" to include other legitimate state interests.