morally corrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

"morally corrupt" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something as being unethical or depraved in character. For example: "The politician was found to be morally corrupt and was removed from office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not everyone who inhabits the world of HFT is morally corrupt, but the moral landscape is nevertheless bleak.

Forbes

This point is reiterated by Miller [ 27] who states when describing corrupt behaviours in Eastern Europe that it is "not so much the morally corrupt few, as the behaviourally corruptible many" who are the problem.

Human Resources for Health

It's morally corrupt".

Independent

But morally corrupt.

The Guardian

We have people that are morally corrupt.

The Washington Post

Their efforts were ignored as a picture was painted of a lawless, morally corrupt, workless nation.

Independent

People who moved around were considered rootless, dangerous to society and possibly morally corrupt.

Harvard Business Review

Who knows where Woods truly stands on his morally corrupt behavior?

The Washington Post

But if they're knowingly suppressing information about risks to public safety, then it's morally corrupt".

The New York Times - Health

This is a well-documented expose of a policy that Bahbah portrays as morally corrupt and ultimately self-defeating.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's Oliver Twist, only with exploitative, morally-corrupt care-takers who ruin lives, rather than charismatic weirdos who teach you how to pickpocket.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "morally corrupt", ensure that you have concrete evidence or strong indicators to support the claim, as it is a serious accusation. Avoid using it lightly or without justification.

Common error

Avoid using "morally corrupt" as a general intensifier of disapproval. It should be reserved for situations involving genuine ethical violations, not minor disagreements or aesthetic preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally corrupt" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes someone or something as being unethical, depraved, or lacking in moral principles. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morally corrupt" is a commonly used adjective phrase to describe something or someone as unethical or depraved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. When using "morally corrupt", ensure appropriate supporting evidence, and avoid overuse in situations lacking genuine ethical violations. Alternatives such as "ethically compromised" or "morally bankrupt" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally bankrupt

Implies a complete absence of moral values, suggesting a state of ruin or depletion.

ethically compromised

Focuses on the ethical principles being violated, highlighting a breach of ethics rather than general corruption.

wicked and immoral

Emphasizes the evil or malevolent nature combined with a lack of moral principles.

depraved character

Emphasizes the inner nature and character of the individual as being fundamentally corrupt.

unethical conduct

Highlights the behavior and actions as being against moral principles.

devoid of ethics

Indicates a complete absence of ethical principles or considerations.

lack of integrity

Points to a deficiency in moral and ethical soundness.

base and dishonest

Describes the individual's character as low or ignoble and untruthful.

tainted by corruption

Suggests that something has been affected or damaged by corrupt practices.

fallen from grace

Suggests a loss of moral standing or integrity, often from a previously higher position.

FAQs

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

You can use "morally corrupt" to describe individuals, organizations, or systems that exhibit unethical or depraved behavior. For example: "The politician was deemed "morally corrupt" after the bribery scandal."

What are some alternatives to "morally corrupt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ethically compromised", "morally bankrupt", or "devoid of ethics".

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

Yes, "morally corrupt" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing ethical violations or analyzing character flaws. However, ensure that the context supports the usage and that the claim is well-substantiated.

What is the difference between "morally corrupt" and "legally corrupt"?

"Morally corrupt" refers to unethical or depraved behavior that may not necessarily be illegal. "Legally corrupt", on the other hand, refers to actions that violate the law. Someone can be "morally corrupt" without breaking the law, and vice versa.