moral vacuum

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral vacuum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of moral values or principles in a person, group, or society. Here is an example sentence: "The corrupt politician's actions revealed a moral vacuum in his character, causing outrage among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet I'm not acting in a moral vacuum.

The Guardian - Film

Science does not exist in a moral vacuum.

The Guardian

Want more evidence of the film industry's moral vacuum?

The Guardian - Film

There is a moral vacuum behind Nixon's instincts, reasoning, and behavior.

The New Yorker

The bubble in which the affair takes place is also a moral vacuum.

The New York Times

Intellectuals complain that Nova is exploiting the "moral vacuum" left by communism.

The Economist

Claire Foy is properly good as the pushy moral vacuum of an editor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the moral vacuum that has become Kashmir, such things are possible.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he also warned of a growing moral vacuum in the nation.

The New Yorker

That's not to say all the characters exist in a self-constructed moral vacuum.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We must ask ourselves what moral vacuum have we created in the west, here at home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral vacuum" to describe situations where a clear lack of ethical standards or moral guidance is evident, especially in contexts involving institutions, organizations, or societies.

Common error

Avoid using "moral vacuum" as a simplistic dismissal of opposing viewpoints. Instead, provide specific examples and evidence to support claims of ethical deficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral vacuum" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its common usage in describing contexts lacking ethical or moral standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral vacuum" is a noun phrase widely used to describe the absence of ethical or moral principles. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts, to highlight ethical shortcomings. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, it should be used with specific evidence to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternative phrases like "ethical void" or "lack of moral compass" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical void

Emphasizes the absence of ethical considerations or guidelines.

absence of morality

Directly states the non-existence of moral principles.

lack of moral compass

Suggests a missing sense of direction in terms of right and wrong.

ethical desert

Paints a picture of desolation and barrenness in the ethical landscape.

moral deficiency

Highlights a shortcoming or inadequacy in moral character.

value-free environment

Describes a setting devoid of guiding values or principles.

absence of ethics

Synonymous with "absence of morality", but with a focus on professional or societal ethics.

ethical black hole

Implies that ethics are not only absent but actively drawn into oblivion.

breakdown of moral values

Suggests a process of degradation or erosion of previously held moral beliefs.

devoid of moral principle

Highlights a state of lacking any fundamental moral guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral vacuum" to describe a situation where there is a lack of ethical values or principles. For example, "The politician's actions created a "moral vacuum" in the government."

What is a synonym for "moral vacuum"?

Alternatives to "moral vacuum" include "ethical void", "absence of morality", or "lack of moral compass", each providing a slightly different nuance.

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

Yes, "moral vacuum" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical or societal issues. It is frequently used in news articles and academic discussions.

What's the difference between "moral vacuum" and "legal loophole"?

"Moral vacuum" refers to a lack of ethical principles or guidance, while "legal loophole" refers to a gap or ambiguity in the law that allows individuals or entities to avoid its intended consequences. A "legal loophole" doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of morality, but rather a flaw in the legal system.