morally unsustainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morally unsustainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, practices, or policies that cannot be justified on moral grounds over the long term. Example: "The company's reliance on child labor is morally unsustainable and must be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is morally unsustainable.

The New York Times

"We've got a policy now that is morally unsustainable, that is financially unsustainable," Di Natale said.

The Guardian

But now, with chronic unemployment, it's morally unsustainable".

Huffington Post

Its ongoing denial is not only morally unsustainable but also undermines the government's position as an honest partner and a legitimate regional power.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As people learn more about them, they see that their slaughter is unsustainable and morally wrong.

The New York Times - Science

Scotland's first minister has described the UK government's "austerity economics" as "morally unjustifiable and economically unsustainable".

BBC

That's completely unsustainable and morally untenable.

Huffington Post

"It's not only fiscally unsustainable, but morally irresponsible".

Huffington Post

Whether it's the public or the private sector that handles this morally compromised, wholly unjustifiable, technically unsustainable data-gathering exercise hardly matters, despite the protestations of some sectors of the IT and communications industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his encyclical, the pontiff said: "It is morally unacceptable, politically dangerous, environmentally unsustainable and economically unjustifiable for developing countries to continue to fuel the development of richer countries at the cost of their own present and future".

The Guardian

"I believed then and now that the arguments in favor of the flag were unsustainable historically and morally, and when something is unsustainable, over time it will end".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "morally unsustainable", ensure you clearly articulate the moral principle being violated and why it cannot be maintained over time. Provide concrete examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "morally unsustainable" as a mere buzzword. Back up your claim with specific moral arguments and demonstrate how the situation is unsustainable in practice. Don't just state it; prove it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally unsustainable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that is not only morally wrong but also cannot be maintained or continued in the long term. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase often qualifies policies or systems.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morally unsustainable" is a powerful descriptor, indicating that something is not only unethical but also cannot continue in its current state. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where policies and systems are evaluated for their ethical implications and long-term viability. When using "morally unsustainable", it is important to provide clear justification, specifying the moral principle at stake and the reasons why the situation is unsustainable. Alternatives like "ethically indefensible" or "morally untenable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally indefensible and unsustainable

More explicitly states both the lack of moral defense and the lack of sustainability.

ethically unsustainable

Combines ethics and sustainability.

unethical and unsustainable

Separates the ethical and sustainability components.

morally untenable

Highlights the indefensibility of the action from a moral perspective.

ethically indefensible

Focuses solely on the ethical aspect, omitting the sustainability element.

morally unacceptable in the long run

Emphasizes the long-term aspect of moral unacceptability.

not morally justifiable long-term

More explicit about the lack of moral justification over time.

morally not viable

Indicates the moral impossibility of continuing something.

morally impractical

Stresses the impracticality due to moral considerations.

unjustifiable in principle and practice

A broader term encompassing both moral and practical aspects of unsustainability.

FAQs

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

You can use "morally unsustainable" to describe a policy, practice, or action that cannot be justified on moral grounds over the long term. For example, "The reliance on exploitative labor practices is "morally unsustainable"".

What's the difference between "morally unsustainable" and "morally unacceptable"?

"Morally unacceptable" simply means something is not morally permissible. "Morally unsustainable" implies that, in addition to being morally wrong, the situation cannot continue indefinitely without causing significant negative consequences.

Are there situations where "morally unsustainable" is not the best phrase to use?

Yes, if you only want to convey that something is ethically wrong without focusing on its long-term viability, then "morally wrong" or "ethically incorrect" might be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to using the term "morally unsustainable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ethically indefensible", "morally untenable", or "morally unsound".