morally vile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morally vile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, behaviors, or ideas that are considered extremely unethical or repugnant. Example: "The politician's morally vile actions during the scandal shocked the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The template for this "secular parody" of the Catholic sacrament is provided by Rousseau's "Confessions," in which all the "morally vile" things the author had done were "somehow redeemed" by being admitted and described.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Flannery O'Connor's The Violent Bear It Away: Her writing is always incredible, but the characters are so vile, so morally despicable that they strain credibility.

Huffington Post

The author, born David Cornwell, wrote it at the peak of the Cold War, and he made the startling decision to portray the intelligence methods of both Western and Communist countries as vile and morally senseless.

The New Yorker

Speaking of 9/11, [he] told me, "Faith is at best morally neutral, and at worst a vile mental distortion.

The New Yorker

In an essay on "apocalyptic beliefs," he writes, "It is not for nothing that one of the symptoms in a developing psychosis, noted and described by psychiatrists, is 'religiosity.' " On another occasion, McEwan, speaking of 9/11, told me, "Faith is at best morally neutral, and at worst a vile mental distortion.

The New Yorker

That doesn't mean we're all morally excellent (we can become heroic or vile); it doesn't gives us the right to abuse and exterminate other species; and it doesn't mean humans can do everything better (a cheetah will outrun me and a bloodhound will outsniff me every time).

The New York Times

Trump's leadership is vile and horrifying, dangerous and morally bankrupt.

Huffington Post

The consumption of another human's flesh is abhorrent, vile, and - to Western sensibilities - morally wrong.

Huffington Post

He is a vile person, with the brain of a bird, and completely degenerate morally.

The Guardian

Many people are vile.

The New Yorker

Universally vile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "morally vile" to describe actions or behaviors that are extremely offensive to established moral principles. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the ethical transgression.

Common error

Avoid using "morally vile" in casual or trivial situations. This phrase carries significant weight and is best reserved for describing actions that represent serious ethical breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally vile" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to strongly condemn the moral character or ethical quality of the subject it describes. Ludwig AI states it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morally vile" is a strong expression used to describe something deeply offensive to moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is accurate and suitable for use. It is used to express strong disapproval, and is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When writing, reserve "morally vile" for situations involving serious ethical breaches rather than trivial matters. For alternatives, you could consider "ethically reprehensible" or "morally repugnant" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally reprehensible

Replaces "vile" with a synonym that emphasizes disapproval.

ethically reprehensible

Replaces the two-word phrase with a single adjective that conveys strong disapproval.

morally corrupt

A direct synonym focusing on moral corruption.

ethically corrupt

Focuses on the corruption aspect of the moral failing.

morally repugnant

Emphasizes the repulsive nature of the moral failing.

morally bankrupt

Suggests a complete lack of moral principles.

utterly immoral

Uses 'utterly' to intensify the immorality.

ethically bankrupt

Focuses on ethical rather than moral bankruptcy.

deeply unethical

Emphasizes the profound ethical issues.

morally objectionable

Indicates that something is unacceptable from a moral standpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "morally vile" to describe actions, behaviors, or ideas that are extremely unethical or repugnant. For example, "The politician's morally vile actions during the scandal shocked the entire community."

What is a good alternative to "morally vile"?

Alternatives include "ethically reprehensible", "morally reprehensible", or "morally repugnant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "morally vile"?

Something is considered morally vile when it deeply violates accepted principles of right and wrong, causing widespread offense and disgust.

Is there a difference between "morally vile" and "morally wrong"?

"Morally wrong" indicates a deviation from ethical standards, while "morally vile" suggests a more extreme and abhorrent level of moral transgression. "Morally vile" implies a stronger sense of revulsion.