moral lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral lapse" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a temporary or short-term deviation from one's moral code or principles. It can be used to describe a situation or action that goes against one's personal or societal standards of right and wrong. Here is an example sentence: "The politician's moral lapse led to widespread public criticism and calls for their resignation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Class envy" is often derogated as a kind of moral lapse.

The New York Times

A moral lapse, even a misdemeanour, can probably be kept secret.

The Economist

Jackson and his biographer-staffer faced the consequences of their moral lapse with courage.

The New York Times

It's a shocking moral lapse, but it does the trick, and Oliver and Jordana embark on a gauche liaison.

Independent

Well, we now definitely know that 21st-century voters are willing to overlook not just a moral lapse, but also bad judgment of epic proportions.

The New York Times

He had read law at Oxford, and sometimes, especially when some malpractice or moral lapse had offended him, his columns read like judgments delivered from the bench.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Prosecutors see moral lapses.

The New York Times

Mr Gore doesn't want to remind Reagan Democrats of his boss's moral lapses.

The Economist

These "lost boys" were supposedly excommunicated because of moral lapses like wanting to go to public schools.

The Economist

From other sources A Los Angeles Times editorial also broaches the topic of Penn State's "moral lapses".

The New York Times

President Clinton, though disdained for his moral lapses, has demonstrated that Democrats can manage the economy, they say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "moral lapse", clearly specify the context and the specific moral principle that was violated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "moral lapse" as a vague label without specifying the precise nature of the wrongdoing. This can lead to misinterpretations and a lack of clarity regarding the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral lapse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a temporary failure in adhering to moral principles. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in describing deviations from ethical standards in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral lapse" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a temporary deviation from ethical principles. According to Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in discussions about public figures and societal behavior. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it carries a judgmental connotation, implying that a specific ethical standard has been violated. Remember to specify the context and principle involved to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "ethical transgression" or "lapse in judgment" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical transgression

Focuses on the violation of a specific ethical code or standard, emphasizing the action itself.

moral failing

Highlights the deficiency or inadequacy in one's moral character, rather than a single incident.

ethical breach

Indicates a specific instance where ethical guidelines were broken, often in a professional context.

lapse in judgment

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of making a poor decision, suggesting a temporary failure in reasoning.

moral slip

Suggests a minor or unintentional deviation from moral principles, implying less severity.

ethical compromise

Implies a deliberate decision to deviate from ethical principles, often due to external pressures.

failure of ethics

Focuses on a more systemic problem where ethical principles are not upheld.

decline in morality

Refers to a gradual decrease in moral standards, either personally or within a group.

erosion of values

Indicates a gradual weakening or disappearance of core moral values, often over time.

compromised ethics

Implies that ethical principles have been weakened or undermined, often due to conflicting interests.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral lapse" to describe a temporary failure in someone's adherence to moral principles. For example: "The politician's "moral lapse" /s/moral+lapse led to widespread criticism".

What are some alternatives to saying "moral lapse"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "ethical transgression", "lapse in judgment", or "moral failing".

What's the difference between a "moral lapse" and an "ethical breach"?

While both terms relate to deviations from accepted standards, "moral lapse" refers more broadly to personal ethics, while "ethical breach" often implies a violation of a specific code of conduct, particularly in professional settings.

Is "moral lapse" the same as a "crime"?

Not necessarily. A "moral lapse" involves a violation of personal or societal ethical standards, while a crime involves breaking the law. A "moral lapse" may not be illegal, and a crime may not always be considered a "moral lapse" by everyone.