unprincipled decision

[/ʌnˈprɪnsəpəld dɪˈsɪʒən/]
noun phrasepl: unprincipled decisions
decisão sem princípios
1. A choice or judgment made without regard to moral, ethical, or established guidelines; a decision based on convenience, self-interest, or expediency rather than integrity
The executive's unprincipled decision to cut corners on safety standards was widely criticized.
A decisão sem princípios do executivo de cortar gastos com segurança foi amplamente criticada.
2. A ruling or determination that violates established rules, codes of conduct, or moral standards
The judge's unprincipled decision to dismiss the case without hearing evidence shocked the legal community.
A decisão sem princípios do juiz de descartar o caso sem ouvir as provas chocou a comunidade jurídica.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, describing someone's decision as 'unprincipled' is a serious moral criticism. In Brazil, this phrase is often used in discussions about government corruption and business ethics. In the USA, it's frequently employed in political discourse and legal commentary. The phrase carries significant weight in both cultures as it questions not just the decision itself, but the character and integrity of the decision-maker.
NYC Slang
shady move; dirty decision; playing fast and loose
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unethical decisionimmoral decisiondishonorable decisioncorrupt decisionunprincipled choicecompromising decision
Antonyms / Antônimos
principled decisionethical decisionmoral decisionhonorable decisionconscientious decision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
decisão sem princípios
Most common and standard translation across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
decisão desonesta
Emphasizes dishonesty aspect, colloquial usage
São Paulo
decisão imoral
More formal business and legal contexts
Portugal
decisão sem princípios
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; may also use 'desonesta' or 'imoral' depending on context

Related Words

integrityethicsmoralityprinciplescharactercorruptionexpediencyconscience

Related Idioms & Phrases

to compromise one's principles
to cut corners
to bend the rules
to throw integrity out the window
to take the easy way out
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