moral fault

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a behavior, opinion, or action that goes against accepted models of morality. For example: "The board of directors discussed the moral fault of cutting back employee salaries in times of crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He denied committing any crime but admitted a "moral fault".

Independent

There has been considerable criticism of statutes that create liability without actual moral fault.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Even for people on the social and political right, it's a fault — a moral fault".

The New Yorker

"Even for people on the social and political right, it's a fault a moral fault".

The New Yorker

A criminal's sentence should turn on his moral fault, not his uncertain propensity for violence.

The New York Times

SERVANT: An earthquake geologists attributed not to any physical fault lines but to moral fault lines in Californians' depraved consciences.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

(The old Protestant image of Jesuitical confessors performing elaborate logical contortions to minimize the gravity of moral faults had — and has — some basis in reality).

The New York Times

In opera, music harmonises discords and helps to pardon moral faults, but the real Anna Nicole was loud, unlyrical and intermittently obscene.

The Guardian - Music

Now Mr Toledo's own failings—several members of his family and entourage have been accused of petty corruption have made some Peruvians forget the bigger moral faults of his predecessor.

The Economist

Irène Némirovsky's evocation of the chaos after the fall of France in 1940, Suite Française (Chatto), is far more than that: the work of a genuine artist, pitiless in articulating the moral faults of the French.

The Guardian - Books

She condemned as moral faults "the kind of timidity, conventionality and wilful self-abnegation that may spoil no one's life but one's own", advocating "hope and a readiness to accept good things".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "ethical failing" or "moral deficiency" for variety and to provide nuances in meaning depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "moral fault" interchangeably with legal terms like "crime" or "liability". While a moral fault may sometimes overlap with legal violations, it primarily addresses ethical considerations rather than legal consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral fault" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and labels an instance of ethical or moral failing. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts ranging from political scandals to personal behavior, clarifying its role in denoting deviations from moral standards.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral fault" is a commonly used phrase to describe an ethical or moral failing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news media, science, and encyclopedic sources. While synonyms like "ethical failing" or "moral transgression" can offer nuanced alternatives, it's important to avoid confusing it with legal terms. Understanding the proper context and implications of "moral fault" enables more precise and impactful communication. Use this guide to clarify its usage and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical failing

Emphasizes the ethical aspect of the fault, often in professional or societal contexts.

moral transgression

Highlights the act of crossing a moral boundary or violating a moral principle.

ethical lapse

Suggests a temporary failure in ethical judgment or behavior.

moral deficiency

Focuses on a lack or inadequacy in moral character or principles.

moral error

Implies a mistake or incorrect judgment from a moral standpoint.

breach of ethics

Highlights the violation of a specific set of ethical rules or guidelines.

moral shortcoming

Suggests a weakness or imperfection in one's moral character.

ethical violation

Similar to breach of ethics, but can also refer to personal values

moral imperfection

Emphasizes the presence of flaws in one's moral nature.

failure of ethics

Similar to ethical failing but can refer to a wider collapse of standards.

FAQs

How can "moral fault" be used in a sentence?

You can use "moral fault" to describe an action, decision, or behavior that is considered ethically wrong or a failing of one's moral character. For example, "The politician's dishonesty was seen as a significant "moral fault" by the public".

What are some alternatives to "moral fault"?

Some alternatives to "moral fault" include "ethical failing", "moral transgression", "ethical lapse", or "moral deficiency". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "moral fault" the same as a crime?

No, "moral fault" is not necessarily the same as a crime. A "moral fault" refers to an ethical or moral failing, while a crime is a violation of the law. An action can be a moral fault without being a crime, and vice versa.

What's the difference between "moral fault" and "moral weakness"?

"Moral weakness" refers to a susceptibility to temptation or a lack of resolve in upholding moral principles, while "moral fault" refers to a specific instance of failing to meet those principles. Weakness is a tendency; the fault is an action.