moral indignation

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral indignation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to strong disapproval or anger caused by something that is considered immoral or wrong. For example: His moral indignation was palpable when he heard about the factory's unethical working conditions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It neutralizes moral indignation, sponsors playfulness".

The New York Times - Arts

His views are trenchant and sometimes hum with moral indignation.

Independent

An introductory chapter sets the tone of moral indignation.

The Economist

In Victorian Britain, the master of moral indignation was Gladstone.

The Economist

Mr Oborne can be quite rude, but he is also fuelled by moral indignation.

The Economist

And yet part of me flinched from the Bushes' moral indignation.

The New Yorker

In dissent, Justice Louis Brandeis argued that Justice Pitney should have just swallowed his moral indignation.

The Economist

Whereas now, the moral indignation is always directed against others, isn't it?

University of California, Berkeley

"I will hold up America to the lightning scorn of moral indignation," he wrote in 1847.

The Guardian - Books

At least it would strip away the moral indignation which distorts the current debate.

The Guardian - Books

Few things are funnier or more shocking than moral indignation as expressed by a total bastard.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral indignation" when you want to convey a sense of righteous anger and disapproval stemming from a perceived ethical violation.

Common error

Avoid using "moral indignation" to describe everyday frustrations. This phrase implies a deep ethical or moral component to the anger. Simple anger might be applicable to a waiter messing up your order, whereas "moral indignation" is appropriate when describing reactions to social injustice.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "moral indignation" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of feeling. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, providing numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral indignation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a state of righteous anger stemming from perceived ethical violations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academic writing. While the phrase itself is straightforward, its effective use requires understanding its nuances and distinguishing it from simple anger or resentment. Remember to use alternatives like "moral outrage" or "righteous anger" when a slightly different emphasis is needed. Be mindful of overusing the phrase or applying it to trivial situations, as it carries significant weight and implies a serious ethical concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral outrage

Similar to moral indignation but suggests a more intense and public display of anger.

indignant disapproval

Reverses the order, emphasizing the disapproval that leads to indignation.

righteous anger

Emphasizes the justification or righteousness behind the anger.

ethical outrage

Highlights the ethical dimension of the indignation, focusing on a violation of moral principles.

justified anger

Focuses on the perceived fairness or legitimacy of the anger.

disapproving fury

Emphasizes both the disapproval and the intense anger felt.

moral disapprobation

A more formal and academic term for expressing strong moral disapproval.

disdainful anger

Suggests anger mixed with a sense of superiority or contempt.

ethical condemnation

Emphasizes a strong judgment and condemnation of something based on ethical principles.

fierce opposition

Highlights strong resistance and disapproval, which may stem from moral considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral indignation" to describe a feeling of righteous anger caused by something considered immoral. For example: "The politician's actions sparked widespread "moral indignation" among voters."

What's a good alternative to "moral indignation"?

Alternatives include "moral outrage", "righteous anger", or "ethical outrage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a moral indignation"?

While grammatically possible, it's more common and natural to use "moral indignation" as an uncountable noun, expressing a general feeling or state, rather than a specific instance. Therefore, avoid using the article "a" with it.

How does "moral indignation" differ from "resentment"?

"Moral indignation" is typically directed outward, focused on the perceived wrongdoings of others. "Resentment", on the other hand, often stems from personal experiences of unfair treatment or perceived slights.