moral shortcomings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral shortcomings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to deficiencies or failures in ethical behavior or moral standards. Example: "The politician's moral shortcomings were highlighted during the debate, raising questions about his integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 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

Punitive laws have long attacked perceived moral failings, shortcomings and foibles, and even if criminal justice reform is all the rage right now, we still have a long way to go.

Vice

The experience of conscience taken in the broad sense as an awareness of one's moral and intellectual shortcomings and inadequacies presupposes species-consciousness in the sense of an awareness of the qualities that one finds oneself lacking but can imagine oneself under other circumstances possessing.

SEP

Of course, the results also detailed each editor's moral pitfalls and other shortcomings.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "moral shortcomings", be specific about the actions or behaviors that constitute the failing. Avoid vague generalizations to ensure clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid excessive moralizing. While it's important to identify "moral shortcomings", focus on the consequences of those shortcomings and potential solutions rather than simply condemning the behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral shortcomings" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it is used to identify and describe deficiencies in ethical behavior or moral standards. For example, "...the pop music is seen mainly as a symptom of Verna's moral shortcomings."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral shortcomings" is a noun phrase used to describe deficiencies or failures in ethical behavior or moral standards. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the actions or behaviors that constitute the failing and to avoid excessive moralizing, focusing instead on consequences and potential solutions. Alternatives include "ethical failings" and "moral flaws".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical failings

Focuses specifically on failures in adhering to ethical codes.

moral flaws

Emphasizes inherent defects or imperfections in someone's moral character.

moral deficiencies

Highlights a lack or insufficiency in moral qualities.

ethical lapses

Refers to temporary or occasional failures in ethical conduct.

moral weaknesses

Suggests vulnerabilities or susceptibilities to unethical behavior.

ethical breaches

Implies a violation or breaking of ethical rules or principles.

moral defects

Focuses on fundamental imperfections in one's moral makeup.

ethical violations

Highlights specific instances of transgressing ethical guidelines.

lapses in judgment

Refers to errors in decision-making that have moral implications.

character flaws

Broader term encompassing various imperfections in someone's character, including moral ones.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral shortcomings" to describe failures in ethical behavior. For instance, "The politician's "moral shortcomings" were revealed during the investigation".

What are some alternatives to saying "moral shortcomings"?

Alternatives include "ethical failings", "moral flaws", or "ethical lapses" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "moral shortcomings" and "ethical shortcomings" the same?

While similar, "moral shortcomings" generally refers to personal principles, while "ethical shortcomings" often relates to professional codes or societal standards.

What's the difference between "moral shortcomings" and "personal flaws"?

"Personal flaws" is a broader term encompassing any imperfection, while "moral shortcomings" specifically addresses failures in ethical or virtuous behavior.