moral disintegration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral disintegration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline in ethical standards or values within an individual or society. Example: "The novel explores the theme of moral disintegration as the characters grapple with their choices and the consequences of their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Moral disintegration!

The Economist

The whole place was indecent and smelt of moral disintegration".

The Guardian - Opinion

In short, it works far better as a comedy about marriage than moral disintegration.

The Guardian

To many, it either predicted or confirmed the political and moral disintegration of the ruling party, the African National Congress.

The New York Times

One of the most admired plays of its time, it concerns the mental and moral disintegration and ultimate ruin of Blanche DuBois, a former Southern belle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise (1920) showed the disillusionment and moral disintegration experienced by so many in the United States after World War I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The war mercifully ended before the Confederacy collapsed under its own weight of moral decay and disintegration through secession.

Huffington Post

Laying out their Thatcherite interpretation that the unrest was purely due to moral decay, the document continued: "Riots, criminality and social disintegration are caused solely by individual characters and attitudes.

Independent

With passages that anticipate the dark, chaotic splendour of By Night in Chile, Udo's diary becomes a record of moral and psychological disintegration, swarming with toxic hallucinations and poignant non sequiturs.

The Guardian - Books

Predictably, a lot of the reaction has been a bit Victorian, melodramatically heralding the disintegration of British moral values.

Independent

This creates the opportunity for communities to be left without effective means to reduce the violence or hold the perpetrators to justice leading to further disintegration of the moral and social fabric [ 22].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral disintegration", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific moral standards that are deteriorating. Provide concrete examples or supporting details to illustrate the decline.

Common error

Avoid using "moral disintegration" in overly dramatic or sensationalist ways. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine and demonstrable decline in ethical standards, not merely disagreement or personal opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral disintegration" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows its usage in describing the decline of ethical standards within societies, organizations, or individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral disintegration" is a noun phrase that describes a decline in ethical or moral standards. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its usage in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions. It is more uncommon than other alternatives, but still prevalent, making it a valid phrase to express concern over ethical decline. When using "moral disintegration", it's important to provide clear context and examples to illustrate the specific moral standards that are deteriorating, avoiding overuse in sensationalist ways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical collapse

Focuses on the failure of ethical standards.

decline in morality

Highlights the reduction in moral principles.

erosion of values

Emphasizes the gradual loss of important values.

breakdown of ethics

Indicates a complete failure in ethical conduct.

moral decay

Suggests a gradual deterioration of moral standards.

ethical degradation

Focuses on the lowering of ethical quality.

collapse of moral standards

Emphasizes the failure of established moral benchmarks.

moral corruption

Highlights dishonesty and unethical behavior.

loss of moral compass

Suggests a disorientation in ethical decision-making.

dissolution of moral fiber

Implies the weakening of moral strength or character.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral disintegration" to describe a decline in ethical standards or values, as in "The novel explores the theme of "moral disintegration" as characters grapple with their choices."

What are some alternatives to "moral disintegration"?

Alternatives include "ethical collapse", "decline in morality", or "erosion of values", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "moral decay" mean, and how does it relate to "moral disintegration"?

"Moral decay" is similar to "moral disintegration"; both describe a decline in moral standards. "Moral decay" often suggests a slower, more gradual process, while "moral disintegration" can imply a more rapid breakdown.

Is "moral disintegration" a formal or informal term?

"Moral disintegration" is a relatively formal term suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. It is less appropriate for casual conversation.