moral shortcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral shortcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency or failure in ethical behavior or judgment. Example: "His moral shortcoming became evident when he chose to lie to his friends instead of being honest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's not a moral shortcoming.

Huffington Post

The problem, then, is less some massive moral shortcoming on Obama's part than NIMBYism a desire from members of Congress to keep these supposed terrorists as far away from their constituents as possible.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unfortunately, although Skyler doesn't share his parents' moral shortcomings, he does share their linguistic deficiencies.

The New York Times - Books

Not long ago he used the phone-hacking scandal as a peg to decry the intellectual and moral shortcomings of all tabloid journalists.

Independent

Here he is, last October, appearing on Countdown with Keith Olbermann to talk about the moral shortcomings of religion and the necessity of brutality in political humor.

The New Yorker

Drawn to Manhattan's boomtime renaissance, the new generation of rich kids showed little of the sophistication that helped gild their parents' moral shortcomings.

The Guardian

Many of the moral shortcomings of "fast buck" capitalism Ed Miliband identified in Liverpool on Tuesday are also deep-seated problems associated with the British economy.

The Guardian

The book is concerned with evil, mainly, and to that end, the pop music is seen mainly as a symptom of Verna's moral shortcomings.

The New Yorker

He suggests that Mr. Spitzer, who as New York State's attorney general had poked some of the most powerful figures in American capitalism right in the eye, may have been the victim of something beyond his own moral shortcomings.

The New York Times

Debunkers like Garry Wills and Seymour M. Hersh, by contrast, focused on the dark side of Camelot, suggesting that what they saw as Kennedy's moral shortcomings and recklessness endangered the nation.

The New York Times - Books

"I am referring, of course, to Justice David Eady who has, again and again, under the privacy clause of the Human Rights Act, found against newspapers and their age-old freedom to expose the moral shortcomings of those in high places".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "moral shortcoming", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific moral standard or expectation that has not been met. Provide concrete examples or details to support the assessment of a moral deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "moral shortcoming" in overly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced terminology might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "ethical lapse" or "failure of integrity" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral shortcoming" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and labels a specific deficiency related to ethical or moral standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a failure in ethical behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moral shortcoming" is a noun phrase used to describe a deficiency in ethical or moral behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while its frequency is rare, it is generally suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to accurately convey the nature of the ethical lapse. Alternative phrases like "ethical lapse" or "moral failing" can provide more nuanced options depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral failing

Highlights a specific instance of failing to meet moral expectations; emphasizes the act rather than a continuous deficiency.

moral weakness

Implies a susceptibility to temptation or an inability to consistently adhere to moral principles.

ethical lapse

Refers to a temporary failure in ethical judgment or behavior; suggests a deviation from established moral standards.

moral flaw

Similar to "character flaw", but specifically related to moral aspects.

failure of ethics

Points to a breakdown in ethical standards or conduct, often in a professional or organizational context.

ethical deficiency

Emphasizes a lack or absence of ethical qualities, suggesting a more inherent problem.

lack of integrity

Focuses on the absence of honesty and strong moral principles.

character flaw

Indicates a negative aspect of someone's personality affecting their moral choices.

defect of character

Highlights a structural problem with one's character, leading to predictable moral issues.

ethical violation

Refers to a specific act that breaks ethical rules or codes.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral shortcoming" to describe a specific ethical deficiency in a person's character or actions. For instance, "His greatest moral shortcoming was his inability to empathize with others."

What are some alternatives to "moral shortcoming"?

Alternatives include "ethical lapse", "moral failing", or "character flaw", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "moral shortcoming" a formal or informal phrase?

"Moral shortcoming" is generally suitable for neutral to semi-formal contexts. For very formal or academic writing, more precise terms like "ethical deficiency" might be preferable.

How does "moral shortcoming" differ from "ethical dilemma"?

"Moral shortcoming" refers to a deficiency in someone's character or actions, while "ethical dilemma" describes a situation where there is no clear right or wrong choice. They address different aspects of morality.