with no conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with no conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who acts without moral principles or feelings of guilt. Example: "He made the decision to betray his friend with no conscience, prioritizing his own gain over loyalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Comedy with no conscience.

The Guardian

"This is the profession of those with no conscience".

The Guardian

If a popular politician has charisma with no conscience, then we are lost.

The New York Times

"They play with no conscience," said Ron Washington, the former A's coach who now manages their rivals the Texas Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

Ruth Riley, Notre Dame's all-American center, said Taurasi is "a tremendous player" who shoots with "no conscience".

The New York Times - Sports

Anthony's reputation is of a basketball closer, one who takes the last shot with no conscience, regardless of whether he made his previous few shots.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

News flash: This girl-with-no-conscience never had cancer, not even a little bit.

Huffington Post

I see a man with little or no conscience, who takes advantage of people.

Huffington Post

THIS Monday's New York Daily News printed a delicious bit of character assassination: "He's a vile, detestable, moralistic person with no heart and no conscience who believes he's been tapped by God to do very important things".

The Economist

The more one watches the world of small creatures, the more grimly one is impressed by the way its populations seem to be programmed beyond neurosis to do the unquestioned thing unquestioningly, with no free will, no conscience, no out-of-reach dreams, no anticipation of success or failure, no grim indulgence in play as they go along, to flaw their compliance.

The New Yorker

"How could they be so arrogant to think they could get away with it, and have no conscience about it, and just to destroy people's lives in this way, just for money and just for sheer greed, and is it greed that's all that it's about - they say money's the root of all evil and they are evil for what they've done," she said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's actions, using "with no conscience" can effectively convey their lack of moral considerations, making their behavior seem more shocking or reprehensible. This phrase is particularly useful in fiction and character analysis.

Common error

Avoid overusing "with no conscience" as a blanket descriptor for all negative behaviors. It specifically refers to actions taken without any moral consideration, not simply bad decisions or mistakes. Use it precisely to highlight a deliberate disregard for ethical principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with no conscience" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts to express a lack of moral consideration or guilt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Literature

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with no conscience" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions performed without moral consideration. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its use in a range of contexts, especially within News & Media, emphasizing a lack of remorse or ethical awareness. While alternatives such as "without a conscience" or "unscrupulous" exist, "with no conscience" effectively conveys a deliberate disregard for moral principles. When using this phrase, focus on highlighting specific actions where moral judgment is absent, rather than broadly labeling individuals or behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a conscience

Similar meaning, slightly different phrasing.

devoid of conscience

More formal and emphatic way of saying "with no conscience".

lacking moral compass

Focuses on the absence of guiding principles.

unscrupulous

Describes someone who is dishonest or unfair.

without remorse

Emphasizes the absence of regret or guilt.

morally bankrupt

Implies a complete absence of moral values.

without moral scruples

Highlights the lack of hesitation to do wrong.

ethically deficient

Focuses on a lack of ethical standards.

callous

Describes someone who is insensitive and cruel.

heartless

Emphasizes a lack of empathy or compassion.

FAQs

How can I use "with no conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "with no conscience" to describe actions or decisions made without any moral consideration or feelings of guilt. For example, "The politician pursued his agenda "with no conscience", ignoring the harm it caused to his constituents".

What are some alternatives to "with no conscience"?

Some alternatives include "without remorse", "lacking a moral compass", or "unscrupulous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "without a conscience" or "with no conscience"?

Both "without a conscience" and "with no conscience" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference. "Without a conscience" might sound slightly more formal, while "with no conscience" is perhaps more common in everyday speech.

What does it mean to act "with no conscience"?

To act "with no conscience" means to perform actions or make decisions without considering the ethical implications or the potential harm to others. It implies a lack of moral awareness or a deliberate disregard for right and wrong.