morally bankrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

"morally bankrupt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "morally bankrupt" when you want to describe an individual, group, or system that has lost its moral compass. For example, you could say, "The executives of this company have become morally bankrupt and turned a blind eye to the mistreatment of their employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They are morally bankrupt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are they morally bankrupt?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's morally bankrupt, and you are morally bankrupt.

The New York Times

Morally bankrupt, discredited, widely loathed?

The Guardian - Opinion

Morally bankrupt but artistically pure, the records felt like fully formed erotic thrillers of their own.

The New Yorker

"That's fiscally insane and morally bankrupt, but no one is talking about it".

The New York Times

Was Baptist Medical Center, now defunct, morally bankrupt for having taken money from John Gotti?

The New York Times

Though proficient at evoking the morally bankrupt, Oldman proved equally adept at summoning pathos.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But they are mocked and scorned by the morally-bankrupt preeners and hypocrites of polite society.

Huffington Post

In a statement, Amnesty International called the plan "morally bankrupt".

Vice

"Tenet appears to be a corporation that is ethically and morally bankrupt".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "morally bankrupt" to describe situations where a clear violation of ethical principles or a complete lack of moral integrity is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "morally bankrupt" lightly. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations genuinely deserving of such strong condemnation, not simply as a general insult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally bankrupt" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that the noun lacks moral integrity or is devoid of ethical principles. Ludwig examples confirm its use in modifying entities ranging from individuals to systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "morally bankrupt" is an adjective phrase used to express strong disapproval of a lack of moral integrity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly in news and media, to describe individuals, organizations, or systems deemed to be severely lacking in ethical principles. While suitable for formal writing, it should be used judiciously to avoid hyperbole. Consider alternatives like "ethically compromised" or "devoid of ethics" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethically bankrupt

A near synonym, replacing 'morally' with 'ethically'.

morally corrupt

Reorders the words to create a slightly different emphasis.

morally deficient

Directly points to a lack of moral qualities.

ethically compromised

Focuses on ethical standards being violated.

bereft of morals

Similar to 'devoid of ethics', highlighting the absence of morals.

devoid of ethics

Highlights the complete absence of ethical considerations.

lacking integrity

Emphasizes the absence of honesty and strong moral principles.

unprincipled

Stresses the absence of guiding moral principles.

without scruples

Indicates a lack of moral considerations that prevent someone from doing bad things.

corrupt

Highlights the presence of dishonesty and abuse of power.

FAQs

How can I use "morally bankrupt" in a sentence?

You can use "morally bankrupt" to describe someone or something that lacks ethical principles. For example, "The company's decision to pollute the river was a morally bankrupt act."

What are some synonyms for "morally bankrupt"?

Alternatives include "ethically compromised", "devoid of ethics", or "lacking integrity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "morally bankrupt" in formal writing?

Yes, "morally bankrupt" can be used in formal writing when the context calls for a strong condemnation of unethical behavior. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoid overly emotional language.

What's the difference between "morally bankrupt" and "ethically bankrupt"?

While very similar, "morally bankrupt" generally refers to a broader lack of moral principles, while "ethically bankrupt" might specifically refer to violations of a code of ethics, often in a professional context.