of low character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of low character" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is morally questionable or untrustworthy. For example, "The scandal involving the company CEO revealed her to be a person of low character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If not, Christie is a lying thug himself.... Christie's presidential ambitions are all but kaput, as he will be lambasted and lampooned as a man of low character and horrible judgment — again viewing him in the most favorable way".

The Guardian

He made no secret of his feeling that the Democrats had lost winnable elections in 2000 and in 2004; Al Gore and John Kerry were "a couple of honorable men" but had been "tarred" as men of low character, and their campaigns failed to fight back effectively.

The New Yorker

Explaining the dramatic change in the image of the game, he said, "Before 1972 poker players were stereotyped as a bunch of backroom bums, people of low character and low morals, who sat around a smoke-filled room waiting for some sucker to show up so they could cheat him out of his money".

Independent

I don't think Hillary is a liar or a person of low character.

Huffington Post

Indeed, the Internet is creating unprecedented opportunities for people of low character to advertise it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The station treats as a given that Gordon is a man of irredeemable low character, serving in this instance only as a vehicle for criticism of Hodges.

Huffington Post

Being jealous of male friends, co-workers and exes without good reason tells a woman that you consider her to be deceitful and of low moral character.

WikiHow

In both novels the sordid habitations of the poor or low characters are described with relish.

The Guardian - Books

For atmosphere, don't miss The Eagle and Child on St Giles (49 St Giles, nicholsonspubs.co.uk/theeagleandchildoxford/. There are guest ales on draught and plenty of low-ceilinged character.

The Guardian - Travel

Shoes may be high or low soled, the former being worn by characters of high rank, and the latter by characters of low rank or acrobatic characters.

Wikipedia

What I've found about a lot of low-status characters is they're good for just about any scene because there are always other characters that need to have some level of control or power.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "of low character", ensure the context provides clear evidence or justification for this assessment, as it is a strong and potentially accusatory statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a single negative action definitively labels someone as "of low character". Instead, consider patterns of behavior and broader contexts to form a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of low character" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person) to indicate a deficiency in moral qualities or integrity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to depict someone as morally questionable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of low character" is a descriptor used to indicate a deficiency in moral qualities or integrity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While relatively infrequent, it appears in news media and wiki sources. When employing this phrase, consider the strong negative implications and ensure the context supports such an assessment. Alternative phrases like "morally bankrupt" or "dishonorable person" can offer similar but nuanced expressions. Remember, judging a person's entire character on isolated incidents can lead to misinterpretations; aim for a comprehensive view of their actions and motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking integrity

Emphasizes the absence of strong moral principles and honesty.

dishonorable person

Directly points to a lack of honor and integrity in one's character.

morally bankrupt

Emphasizes a complete lack of moral principles, suggesting a state of moral insolvency.

morally questionable

Suggests that someone's moral standing is dubious or uncertain.

unscrupulous person

Emphasizes a lack of moral principles that restrain one's behavior.

devoid of ethics

Highlights the absence of ethical considerations in someone's behavior or actions.

unprincipled individual

Focuses on the lack of guiding principles and moral compass in a person.

reprehensible character

Highlights the blameworthy and disgraceful nature of someone's character.

base individual

Implies a low moral standing, suggesting someone is ignoble and contemptible.

mean-spirited

Highlights a petty, unkind, or malicious nature.

FAQs

How can I use "of low character" in a sentence?

You can use "of low character" to describe someone whose actions consistently demonstrate a lack of morals. For example: "The evidence revealed him to be a man "of low character", willing to compromise his values for personal gain."

What are some alternatives to saying "of low character"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "morally bankrupt", "dishonorable person", or "lacking integrity". Each option conveys a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "of low character" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "of low character" carries a strong negative connotation. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives such as "morally questionable" or "unprincipled individual" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "of low character" and "bad character"?

"Of low character" emphasizes a deficiency in moral qualities, suggesting someone consistently lacks integrity. "Bad character" is a more general term referring to undesirable personality traits, which may include but are not limited to moral failings.