moral obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that presents a challenge based on ethical or moral considerations. Example: "The decision to proceed with the project faced a significant moral obstacle due to its potential impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And as Stephen navigates his moral obstacle course with accelerating clumsiness and desperation, Mr. Gallagher cannily conveys the toll of his confusing role with soul.

The New York Times

The main office was in Zug in safe, secret Switzerland, no questions asked.From there, with cat-like tread, Mr Rich found his way round any political or moral obstacle.

The Economist

As much as advances in technology have improved the odds of a healthy birth, the early awareness of problems has also transformed the process into a moral obstacle course.

The New York Times - Magazine

I can't deny that I miss bacon, beef mince, chicken and duck, and the only real moral obstacle is whether or not I'm comfortable with killing something for my own pleasure.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There were no moral obstacles to keep you from enjoying the fruits of the slaughterhouse.

The New Yorker

Maybe 2010 will be the year that the country wakes up to the same intractable instutitional, not to mention moral, obstacles that A.L.I. found, finally, to legalized killing by the state.

Huffington Post

However, there are moral and legal obstacles to their full implementation.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a very strong anti-choice lobby in psychiatry and there should have been procedures put in place to allow women to bypass them and their moral, political, theocratic obstacles".

The Guardian

On the epistemological front, it has seemed to be an insuperable obstacle to moral realism to explain how, if there really were such a realm of moral facts, human beings could possibly gain access to it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Because poverty was an obstacle to moral behavior, they believed that the state should be vitally concerned with eliminating it.

The New Yorker

Moreover, the disposition is to overcome obstacles to moral behavior that Kant thought were ineradicable features of human nature.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral obstacle", ensure the context clearly establishes the ethical or principled nature of the barrier. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "moral obstacle" as a catch-all for any difficulty. Reserve it for situations where the core issue genuinely involves conflicting moral principles or ethical concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral obstacle" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a barrier or challenge stemming from ethical or moral considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral obstacle" effectively describes a challenge rooted in ethical or principled considerations. While not extremely common, its usage is grammatically sound and appears across various reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, according to Ludwig. Alternatives such as "ethical dilemma" or "moral impediment" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly highlights the ethical nature of the barrier. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and it is best used when the core issue genuinely involves conflicting moral principles or ethical concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral barrier

Uses a direct synonym for "obstacle", retaining the original meaning.

moral impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with a synonym that conveys something that obstructs or hinders from a moral point of view.

moral stumbling block

Implies something that causes one to hesitate or make a mistake from a moral viewpoint, adding a nuance of uncertainty.

ethical hurdle

Emphasizes a challenge or difficulty from an ethical standpoint, maintaining the sense of something to overcome.

ethical constraint

Highlights a limitation or restriction based on ethical considerations, emphasizing a boundary.

ethical dilemma

Focuses on a situation with conflicting ethical choices, differing from a simple obstacle.

moral quandary

Highlights a state of uncertainty or perplexity about what is morally right, adding a layer of confusion not always present in a simple obstacle.

value conflict

Focuses on differing values that create a challenge, broadening the scope beyond a single obstacle.

principled stand

Shifts the focus to a firm adherence to moral principles, differing from an obstacle but suggesting a potential barrier.

conscientious objection

Emphasizes a refusal to participate in something based on moral or ethical grounds, highlighting a specific form of opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral obstacle" to describe a situation presenting ethical challenges. For example, "The company faced a significant "moral obstacle" when deciding whether to prioritize profit over environmental concerns."

What are some alternatives to "moral obstacle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ethical dilemma", "moral quandary", or "ethical hurdle".

Is it more appropriate to say "moral obstacle" or "ethical obstacle"?

Both "moral obstacle" and "ethical obstacle" are acceptable. "Moral" typically relates to personal principles of right and wrong, while "ethical" often refers to professional or societal standards. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between a "moral obstacle" and a "legal obstacle"?

A "moral obstacle" is a challenge based on principles of right and wrong, while a "legal obstacle" is a challenge based on laws and regulations. Something can be both a moral and a legal obstacle.