morally reprehensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morally reprehensible" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that an action or behavior is wrong according to moral standards. Example sentence: The politician's decision to turn away refugees fleeing war-torn countries was morally reprehensible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time, their moral purity is unencumbered by a morally reprehensible election strategy.

Huffington Post

This is morally reprehensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

War may be morally reprehensible.

The Guardian

I find it morally reprehensible".

The Guardian

Horrified campaigners say what they have done is "morally reprehensible".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Targeting such people is outrageous, and morally reprehensible".

The New York Times

It's morally reprehensible," Sherrod Brown, the Ohio Democrat, told reporters.

The New Yorker

Ms. Perry and her supporters called the attack "morally reprehensible".

The New York Times

Nixon was being politically clever but morally reprehensible.

The Washington Post

Our failure to alleviate their plight is morally reprehensible.

The Guardian - Business

This was as electorally savvy as it was morally reprehensible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "morally reprehensible" to express strong disapproval of actions or behaviors that violate fundamental moral principles. Be clear about why the action is considered morally wrong to ensure the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "morally reprehensible" to describe minor disagreements or inconveniences. This phrase should be reserved for genuinely serious ethical violations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally reprehensible" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something deserving strong condemnation for violating moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express that an action or behavior is wrong according to moral standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0.5%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "morally reprehensible" is a powerful descriptor used to express strong condemnation of actions that violate deeply held moral principles. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, especially in news and media where ethical implications are discussed. While alternatives like "ethically unacceptable" or "morally indefensible" exist, "morally reprehensible" should be reserved for genuinely serious ethical violations to maintain its impact and avoid overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethically unacceptable

Focuses specifically on violations of ethical codes and principles.

morally indefensible

Highlights the lack of justification for the action from a moral standpoint.

utterly immoral

Emphasizes the complete absence of moral virtue in the action.

deeply unethical

Indicates a severe breach of ethical standards.

highly objectionable

Suggests that the action is offensive and likely to provoke strong disapproval.

patently wrong

Indicates the obviousness and clarity of the moral wrongness.

morally corrupt

Highlights the depravity and degradation associated with the action.

inherently evil

Attributes a fundamental and intrinsic wickedness to the action.

ethically dubious

Suggests uncertainty and doubt surrounding the ethical nature of the action.

morally bankrupt

Emphasizes a complete lack of moral principles or values.

FAQs

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

You can use "morally reprehensible" to describe actions or behaviors that are considered deeply wrong or unacceptable from a moral perspective. For example: "The company's exploitation of child labor was "morally reprehensible"".

What are some alternatives to saying "morally reprehensible"?

Some alternatives include "ethically unacceptable", "morally indefensible", or "utterly immoral". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "morally reprehensible" a formal or informal term?

"Morally reprehensible" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for serious discussions about ethics and morality in both professional and academic settings.

What makes an action "morally reprehensible"?

An action is "morally reprehensible" when it violates deeply held moral principles, causing significant harm or injustice. The specific criteria can vary based on individual or societal values.