moral failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral failing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an individual has acted in a way that is considered unethical or morally wrong. Example: "His decision to betray his friend was a clear moral failing that he would regret for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It isn't a moral failing.

The Guardian

And this is his moral failing.

The Guardian

Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.

The New York Times

In Kardashian world, attracting bad PR is a moral failing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As such, poverty is a lifestyle choice or a moral failing.

Independent

The abuse of alcohol has, historically, been thought of as a moral failing.

The New Yorker

It's the moral failing of our generation, a major factor in the corruption of women's sexuality.

The New Yorker

"I think it was a moral failing, and I'm not proud of it," he continued.

The New York Times

I'm not sure why we blame the drug industry for our moral failing.

The New Yorker

Gladwell remarks that "the abuse of alcohol has, historically, been thought of as a moral failing".

The New Yorker

The term often implied a weakness of character or a moral failing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral failing", consider the context and the audience. In some situations, softer terms like "ethical lapse" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid labeling disagreements or personal preferences as "moral failings". The term should be reserved for situations with clear ethical violations, not matters of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral failing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance or general tendency of unethical behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral failing" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes unethical behavior or decisions. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to apply it to situations with clear ethical violations rather than subjective disagreements. Consider alternatives like "ethical lapse" or "moral shortcoming" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The sources suggest this phrase carries a neutral tone in journalism and academia and serves to categorize and condemn unethical behavior. Therefore, clarity, accuracy, and context are key when incorporating "moral failing" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical lapse

Focuses on a temporary deviation from ethical standards.

moral shortcoming

Emphasizes a lack or deficiency in moral character.

ethical breach

Highlights a violation of ethical principles or rules.

moral lapse

Similar to ethical lapse but specifically related to morality.

failure of ethics

Directly points to a breakdown in ethical behavior.

ethical transgression

Suggests a more serious violation of ethical boundaries.

character flaw

Points to an inherent weakness in one's moral character.

moral deficiency

Focuses on the absence of sufficient moral qualities.

lack of integrity

Emphasizes a deficiency in honesty and strong moral principles.

moral compromise

Suggests a situation where moral principles were sacrificed.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral failing" to describe a specific action or situation where someone's behavior falls short of ethical standards. For example, "The cover-up was a significant "moral failing" on the part of the administration."

What are some alternatives to "moral failing"?

Depending on the context, you could use "ethical lapse", "moral shortcoming", or "ethical breach" as alternatives to "moral failing".

Is it appropriate to use "moral failing" in a formal setting?

Yes, "moral failing" is appropriate for formal settings, especially when discussing ethical issues or analyzing behavior in professional contexts. However, consider the specific audience and the potential impact of using such a strong term.

What distinguishes a "moral failing" from a simple mistake?

A "moral failing" implies a violation of ethical principles or a departure from accepted standards of right and wrong, whereas a simple mistake is typically an unintentional error without inherent ethical implications.