questionable values

USAGE SUMMARY

"questionable values" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any set of values that may not be accepted by society or are seen as immoral or wrong. For example, "The company was accused of upholding questionable values by exploiting their workers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Many are held at questionable values.

The Economist

And Cassius has some pretty questionable values".

The Guardian

As a powerful corporation, Lego is an influential cultural and political actor in the globalized economy with questionable values".

The Guardian - Arts

As a powerful corporation, LEGO is an influential cultural and political actor in the globalized economy with questionable values.

Independent

On the run from American law enforcement and Russian gangsters as he frantically pursues a friend who might have set the entire chain of events in motion, Tyler broods on the questionable values that once defined his life and eventually comes to accept his current punishment as atonement for his past sins.

The New York Times - Books

All this secrecy provides good cover for managers with shall we say?–questionable values.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

He added that the family-based program in question was being "phased out because it was difficult to manage and had questionable value".

The New York Times

These are highly questionable value judgments.

The Economist

The first method is of questionable value.

The Economist

I think it's of questionable value.

The Guardian

Even these apprenticeships are often of questionable value.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's ethical stance, use "questionable values" to subtly imply a lack of integrity without making a direct accusation. This allows for a more nuanced critique.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable values" excessively in formal reports. While it conveys doubt, more specific and quantifiable terms (e.g., "inconsistent data", "unverified sources") provide clearer and more credible criticisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable values" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It serves to describe something as having values that are open to doubt, disapproval, or moral scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questionable values" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or disapproval regarding ethical or moral standards. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and its wide range of applications across news, science, and business contexts underscores its commonness. While the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, writers should be mindful of the potential for overuse and consider more specific language for enhanced clarity and impact. Remember that there exist alternatives such as "dubious ethics", "suspect morals", and "debatable principles". Finally, be conscious of the potential for misinterpretation. Because, though it appears to be simple, it can be nuanced in the implications depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious ethics

Replaces "values" with a more specific term related to moral principles, highlighting the ethical dimension.

suspect morals

Uses "morals" instead of "values", emphasizing the moral character that is being questioned.

debatable principles

Focuses on the disputable nature of the guiding beliefs.

uncertain merits

Shifts the focus to the worth or advantages being doubtful.

controversial standards

Highlights that the norms or benchmarks are subject to disagreement.

unreliable ideals

Emphasizes the untrustworthy nature of the aspirations or goals.

tenuous virtues

Suggests that the positive qualities are weak or flimsy.

shady practices

This phrase focuses on the potentially dishonest actions or behaviors.

ethically challenged

Uses a more indirect way of saying that something is not very ethical.

morally ambiguous

Highlights the lack of clarity regarding the morality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "questionable values" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable values" to describe things like a company's ethics: "The company's success was built on "questionable values"." It can also apply to data or beliefs.

What's a more formal alternative to "questionable values"?

For formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "debatable principles" or "uncertain merits" to maintain a professional tone.

Are "questionable values" and "unethical practices" the same?

While related, "questionable values" refers to the underlying beliefs or principles, whereas "unethical practices" refers to the actual actions. One stems from the other.

Can "questionable values" apply to abstract concepts?

Yes, "questionable values" can apply to abstract concepts like political ideologies or economic theories, suggesting that the core principles are flawed or morally suspect.