moral reckoning

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral reckoning" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the process of evaluating one's own moral values and actions, or the consequences of these actions. Example: After years of struggling with his conscience, the CEO finally faced a moral reckoning and decided to make significant changes to the company's ethical practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every one of us will make our own moral reckoning of Walter White, and those reckonings will vary, and I don't expect to be done wrestling with ideas about redemption, forgiveness and transgression after the "Breaking Bad" series finale.

HuffPost

A good place to start is that sinking spell, the "sudden, vertiginous loss of self" -- in actuality, a call to moral reckoning -- or, even better, the activating rage a morally reckoned character feels at seeing the boat in which we're all passengers being hammered and scuttled.

Huffington Post

Such selective moral reckoning left room for racism to fester.

The New York Times

Or "Crimes and Misdemeanors," whose ending chooses nihilism over moral reckoning?

The New Yorker

It was a moment of moral reckoning in a city that few would call prudish.

The New York Times

In "Account Settings," David Remnick reports on Cambridge Analytica and a moral reckoning in Silicon Valley.

The New Yorker

But much of the book's plot, involving class and unrequited love, seems independent of the theme of postwar moral reckoning.

The New Yorker

They're figures on the chess board of moral reckoning that Mr. Willimon has custom made for his beleaguered protagonist.

The New York Times

In "A Moral Reckoning," Goldhagen now turns from nation to religion, and indicts the Roman Catholic Church in comparable terms.

The New York Times - Books

In "A Moral Reckoning" that strident tone seems all the more emphatic because the book is so remarkably repetitious.

The New York Times - Books

But we might have had a moral reckoning — one we badly need — and not just a tallying of bills.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral reckoning" when you want to evoke a sense of significant ethical evaluation and its consequences. It's particularly effective in describing turning points in a narrative or critical assessments of past behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "moral reckoning" to describe simple regret or minor remorse. This phrase implies a deep, transformative evaluation of one's ethical standing, not just a passing feeling of guilt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral reckoning" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It denotes the process or instance of critically evaluating one's morals and actions. Examples provided by Ludwig show it used to describe critical moments of self-assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral reckoning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a critical self-evaluation of one's ethics and actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is appropriate for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using "moral reckoning", remember to evoke a sense of serious ethical introspection and consequential decision-making. Avoid using it for minor regrets or simple feelings of guilt. Consider alternatives like "ethical evaluation" or "accepting moral responsibility" to better suit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral accountability

Emphasizes the state of being responsible for moral behavior.

accepting moral responsibility

Emphasizes the acknowledgment of accountability for one's actions.

moral self-reflection

Focuses on deeply thinking about one's moral principles.

ethical evaluation

Focuses specifically on the evaluation aspect of morality.

ethical self-assessment

Emphasizes a personal review of one's ethical standards.

ethical judgment

Similar to ethical evaluation but implies a formal decision.

confronting one's conscience

Focuses on the internal struggle and self-awareness.

facing the consequences

Highlights the aspect of dealing with outcomes of moral choices.

coming to terms with past actions

Suggests a process of reconciliation with previous deeds.

day of reckoning

Implies a final judgment or accounting for one's actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral reckoning" to describe a character's internal struggle, as in: "After years of denial, he finally faced a "moral reckoning" and decided to confess his wrongdoings."

What's the difference between "moral reckoning" and "moral dilemma"?

"Moral reckoning" refers to the process of evaluating past actions and their ethical implications, while a "moral dilemma" is a situation with conflicting moral imperatives where choosing one means violating another.

What can I say instead of "moral reckoning"?

You can use alternatives like "ethical evaluation", "accepting moral responsibility", or "confronting one's conscience" depending on the context.

Is "moral reckoning" always a negative experience?

While often associated with acknowledging wrongdoing, a "moral reckoning" can also involve affirming positive ethical choices and reinforcing one's commitment to moral principles. It is a broader evaluative process.