moral outrage

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral outrage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you wish to express strong disapproval of something perceived as morally wrong. For example, "The government's decision to ignore the plight of refugees sparked a wave of moral outrage among citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moral outrage is fine.

Independent

That alone justifies moral outrage".

The New York Times

Imagine the moral outrage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moral outrage is important.

The New York Times - Books

Moral outrage is too easy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I understand their moral outrage.

The Guardian

It is a moral outrage.

The New York Times

The reviewer's implied moral outrage is misguided.

The New York Times

That's your sense of moral outrage dissipating.

The New Yorker

Is there moral outrage about it?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the accident case, there's no moral outrage at all.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "moral outrage"; it is a strong term that can be seen as overly emotional in some formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "moral outrage" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Use synonyms or more nuanced language to convey disapproval when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "moral outrage" is that of a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a collective feeling of anger and disapproval towards something deemed morally wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral outrage" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that conveys a strong feeling of ethical disapproval. As Ludwig AI validates, the expression is appropriate in diverse contexts, spanning from academic discussions to news reports. Predominantly found in news and media, it is used to express condemnation of perceived ethical violations. While potent, the use of "moral outrage" should be deliberate, considering potential alternatives like "righteous indignation" to better suit the specific context. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "moral outrage" to articulate their ethical positions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral disapproval

A more general term indicating a negative judgment based on moral standards.

righteous indignation

Emphasizes the justness and righteousness of the anger felt in response to a perceived injustice.

moral revulsion

Emphasizes the feeling of disgust and aversion towards something considered morally reprehensible.

indignant response

Highlights the reactive nature of the feeling, suggesting a strong and immediate expression of displeasure.

ethical indignation

Highlights the emotional aspect of the response to a perceived ethical breach.

ethical condemnation

Focuses on the ethical dimension of the disapproval, highlighting the violation of moral principles.

strong disapproval

A direct and forceful expression of disagreement or condemnation.

public outcry

Indicates a widespread expression of disapproval or protest from the public.

ethical violation

Focuses specifically on the transgression of ethical principles or codes.

deep resentment

Conveys a strong feeling of bitterness and indignation caused by perceived unfairness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "moral outrage" in a sentence?

To use "moral outrage" effectively, clearly identify the action or situation that is causing the ethical offense. For example, "The blatant disregard for environmental regulations sparked widespread "moral outrage" among conservationists".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "moral outrage"?

You can use alternatives like "righteous indignation", "ethical condemnation", or "deep resentment" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "moral outrage" in formal writing?

While "moral outrage" can be used in formal writing, consider whether a more neutral or measured tone would be more effective. In some cases, phrases like "strong disapproval" or "ethical violation" may be more suitable.

What distinguishes "moral outrage" from simple anger?

"Moral outrage" specifically stems from a perceived violation of ethical principles or values, whereas anger can arise from various sources. "Moral outrage" carries an element of ethical judgment and condemnation that may not be present in simple anger.