morally wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morally wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone wants to express the idea that something is not just wrong from a legal perspective, but also from a moral one. For example, you could say "Stealing is morally wrong and illegal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Morally wrong".

The New York Times

It was morally wrong".

The New York Times

It's just morally wrong".

The Guardian

And they are morally wrong.

The New York Times

"I think it's morally wrong.

The New York Times

Even when they are morally wrong".

The New York Times - Magazine

This is morally wrong, and financially myopic.

The Guardian - Opinion

To me, this feels morally wrong".

The Guardian - Money

Cable says £1m payments are morally wrong.

The Guardian

It's morally wrong and spiritually destructive.

The Guardian - Books

Fabiola Peña believes it is morally wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ethics or morality, consider other related terms like "unethical" or "reprehensible" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "morally wrong" when the issue is primarily a legal violation or a matter of social convention, rather than a fundamental ethical principle. Choose more precise terms to reflect the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally wrong" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used to describe something considered to be against established principles of right and wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morally wrong" is a common and grammatically sound way to express ethical disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "morally wrong", be sure to consider the specific context and whether alternatives like "ethically wrong" or "reprehensible" might be more appropriate. Avoid overusing it in situations where legal or social judgments are more relevant. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively communicate your ethical stances in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethically wrong

Focuses specifically on violations of ethical codes or principles, often in professional contexts.

unethical

A more concise adjective indicating a lack of ethical principles.

morally objectionable

Emphasizes the negative impact on one's moral sensibilities.

reprehensible

Indicates a high degree of moral condemnation and deserving of strong disapproval.

indefensible

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

unjustifiable

Similar to indefensible, stressing the absence of a valid reason or excuse.

wrongful

A broader term that can encompass both moral and legal wrongdoing.

unconscionable

Suggests a violation of one's conscience or deeply held moral beliefs.

morally bankrupt

Implies a complete absence of moral principles or values.

iniquitous

Suggests a particularly wicked or evil act.

FAQs

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

You can use "morally wrong" to describe actions or beliefs that violate ethical principles. For example, "Many people believe that stealing is "morally wrong"".

What are some alternatives to saying "morally wrong"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ethically wrong", "unethical", or "reprehensible".

Is it redundant to say "morally wrong" when something is already illegal?

Not necessarily. Something can be illegal but not widely considered "morally wrong" by everyone. Conversely, some actions may be considered "morally wrong" even if they aren't illegal.

What's the difference between "morally wrong" and "ethically wrong"?

"Morally wrong" generally refers to violations of personal or societal moral codes, while "ethically wrong" typically relates to violations of professional or institutional ethical standards.