moral weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of moral strength or integrity in a person, often in the context of ethical dilemmas or personal failings. Example: "His decision to betray his friend was a clear indication of his moral weakness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Moral weakness or hesitancy comes from alternating judgments about what is morally right (446E-447A).

SEP

But I think his weakness is a moral weakness.

The New Yorker

Complaining of fatigue sounds like moral weakness; in New York City, tired is normal.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama has now come to stand for opportunism and moral weakness we can believe in.

The New York Times

Bernard is standoffish with them, but that is seen as his moral weakness, not theirs.

The Guardian - Books

The opposition party, meanwhile, accused the Senator of moral weakness and catastrophically poor judgment.

The New Yorker

Their martinis, tinted every color of the rainbow, merely advertise their moral weakness.

The New York Times

They should not live in constant terror of being accused of mental or moral weakness for changing their minds.

Independent

M.P.D. is part of a history of hysteria, which has always been regarded as a women's syndrome--a manifestation of women's inherent moral weakness.

The New Yorker

"They may sometimes confuse this kind of an addiction — like an alcohol addiction or a sexual addiction — with a spiritual or moral weakness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Advocates argue that acceptance of the brain disease view will reduce the stigmatisation that many people with an addiction experience by showing that an inability to refrain from using drugs arises not from personal qualities such as moral 'weakness' but as a result of drugs 'hijacking' the brain's reward system [ 4].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "moral weakness", be specific about the context and actions that demonstrate this trait. Avoid vague generalizations and provide concrete examples to support your claims.

Common error

Don't assume that someone's "moral weakness" stems from ignorance. Often, people are fully aware of the ethical implications of their actions but choose to disregard them due to personal desires or external pressures. Focus on the choice made, not the awareness of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral weakness" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples shows its use in describing personal character flaws, ethical lapses in leadership, or struggles with addiction, indicating a lack of ethical strength.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral weakness" is a frequently used noun phrase to indicate a deficiency in ethical strength or integrity. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most often in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using the phrase, consider specifying the actions that exemplify the "moral weakness" and be mindful not to conflate it with a lack of knowledge or willpower. Related phrases include "ethical frailty" and "moral failing", offering subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical frailty

Emphasizes the delicate or easily compromised nature of one's ethical standards, suggesting a vulnerability to moral lapses.

moral failing

Highlights a specific instance of failing to meet moral standards, often implying a sense of guilt or regret.

ethical lapse

Refers to a temporary or isolated decline in ethical behavior, suggesting a momentary deviation from one's usual standards.

moral flaw

Indicates an inherent defect or imperfection in one's moral character, implying a persistent tendency towards unethical behavior.

character defect

Focuses on a broader imperfection in one's overall personality, which can manifest as ethical shortcomings.

lack of integrity

Underscores the absence of honesty, trustworthiness, and strong moral principles, suggesting a fundamental deficiency in one's ethical makeup.

deficiency in ethics

A formal expression pointing out to the lack of a necessary component for moral and ethical action.

spiritual poverty

Suggests a lack of inner strength and moral guidance, potentially leading to unethical actions.

absence of moral fiber

Implies a lack of resilience and fortitude in upholding ethical principles, suggesting a susceptibility to temptation and compromise.

moral deficiency

Indicates a quantifiable shortage or inadequacy in one's moral qualities, emphasizing a lack of essential ethical attributes.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral weakness" to describe a character's flaw in literature, a politician's ethical lapse, or a personal struggle with temptation. For example, "His "moral weakness" led him to betray his friends."

What is a synonym for "moral weakness"?

Alternatives include "ethical frailty", "moral failing", or "character defect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "moral weakness" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when analyzing character flaws or ethical dilemmas. However, ensure the context warrants such a direct and potentially critical assessment. Consider alternatives like "ethical lapse" or "lack of integrity" for a less accusatory tone.

What's the difference between "moral weakness" and "lack of willpower"?

"Moral weakness" implies a deficiency in ethical principles, whereas "lack of willpower" suggests an inability to control impulses. While related, "moral weakness" focuses on ethical judgment, and "lack of willpower" focuses on self-control. You might understand something is wrong but lack the resolve to resist it.