Dictionary

morally bankrupt en · ADJ

Etymology

The term bankrupt is used in the sense of completely lacking something.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic) Having no morals, unethical.
   • Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished. 2026 June 22, Keir Starmer, resignation speech:
   • Is it morally bankrupt of a company to switch from one generally accepted accounting method to another generally accepted accounting method just because the switch happens to increase reported earnings? 1974, Forbes, volume 113, Forbes Incorporated, page 49:
   • When man loses the simple faith of his childhood, belief in home, family, and God, he is morally bankrupt. When man is morally bankrupt, he seeks something to live by and is ripe for Communist conversion. 1962, United States Congress, Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates, U.S. Government Printing Office, page A3202:
   • Retreat from governmental protection and from strong advocacy of social justice is caused "by the morally bankrupt political leadership in America." He cited Congressional efforts to maintain a dual, unequal system of public education and lack of enforcement of fair housing. 1983, United States Commission on Civil Rights. Georgia Advisory Committee, Perceptions of Hate Group Activity in Georgia: A Report, The Commission, page 9:

Forms

Deriveds

moral bankruptcy

Translations (1)

nl moreel bankroet (Translations)