morally questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

"morally questionable" is correct and can be used in written English.
It's a descriptive phrase, often used to describe a situation or action that may be considered morally wrong or unethical. For example, "She was put in an awkward situation because of her employer's morally questionable business decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is also seen as morally questionable.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would argue that publishing it is morally questionable".

The New York Times

Elements of the interview were deeply morally questionable.

The Guardian - Opinion

I also believe that doing so is morally questionable.

The New York Times

But not every "boss from hell" is a psychopath, even if their behaviour is morally questionable.

Independent

This character is damaged and troubled, struggling with the morally questionable things she experiences.

The Guardian - Film

So does this mean that killing zombies is a morally questionable thing?

The Guardian

Mr. Gonzales's record as White House counsel may be perceived as morally questionable at best.

The New York Times

Yet its business, acting as a broker between Chinese donors and foreign patients, is morally questionable.

The Guardian

Bombing Nagasaki three days later, as Mr. Kristof points out, was a more morally questionable decision.

The New York Times

Sebald has his own scruples about the "morally questionable process of falsification.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "morally questionable", be specific about the aspect of the situation or action that raises moral concerns. Providing context will strengthen your argument and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "morally questionable" as a knee-jerk reaction to actions you dislike. Ensure a rational basis for the moral assessment, rather than relying solely on personal feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally questionable" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to describe actions, decisions, or behaviors that are ethically ambiguous or raise concerns about their moral implications. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common descriptive phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morally questionable" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions or situations that raise ethical concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. With a neutral register, it frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, specificity about the moral concerns is crucial for clarity. Related phrases, such as "ethically dubious" or "morally ambiguous", offer nuanced alternatives. Overall, "morally questionable" serves as a valuable tool for expressing ethical reservations in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethically dubious

Emphasizes a concern with established ethical codes or principles, suggesting a violation or bending of those rules.

of dubious morality

Focuses on the uncertainty or lack of clarity surrounding the moral status of an action or decision.

ethically problematic

Highlights the existence of problems or issues from an ethical standpoint, suggesting a need for careful consideration.

morally ambiguous

Suggests a lack of clear moral boundaries or guidelines, where the right or wrong course of action is not easily determined.

ethically suspect

Implies a degree of suspicion or distrust regarding the ethical implications of an action or situation.

morally fraught

Emphasizes the difficult or stressful nature of a situation due to moral considerations.

of questionable ethics

Similar to "ethically dubious", but places more direct emphasis on the questioning of ethical standards.

of dubious ethicality

Focuses the doubt towards the actions that have ethical value

morally unsound

Suggests a lack of firm moral foundation, with potential for negative consequences.

ethically borderline

Indicates a situation that is close to violating ethical norms, but may not definitively cross the line.

FAQs

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

You can use "morally questionable" to describe actions, decisions, or situations that raise concerns about their ethical implications. For example, "The company's accounting practices were considered "morally questionable" by the auditors".

What are some alternatives to "morally questionable"?

Alternatives include "ethically dubious", "of dubious morality", "ethically problematic", or "morally ambiguous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "morally questionable" or "legally questionable"?

The choice between "morally questionable" and "legally questionable" depends on whether the issue is about ethics or legality. Something can be morally questionable but legal, or vice versa.

What is the difference between "morally questionable" and "immoral"?

"Morally questionable" suggests doubt or uncertainty about the morality of something, while "immoral" implies a clear violation of moral principles. "Immoral" is a stronger and more definitive judgment.