Qualm

A qualm is a feeling of uneasiness, doubt, or moral reservation about a particular action or decision. It's often a brief, unsettling feeling that something might be wrong, unethical, or not in one's best interest. This feeling stems from a conflict between one's conscience, principles, and the proposed action. The intensity of a qualm can vary, ranging from a mild hesitation to a strong sense of guilt or discomfort. Essentially, a qualm acts as an internal check, prompting reflection and potential reconsideration of a course of action.

Qualm meaning with examples

• Despite the promise of a large bonus, Sarah had a qualm about accepting the promotion, knowing it involved misleading clients. Her conscience nagged at her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that it was morally wrong. The thought of contributing to unethical practices filled her with unease. The potential financial gain felt tainted by her inner qualm, and she considered declining the offer.
• John felt a sudden qualm when he was about to lie to his friend. Though small, the hesitation to deceive washed over him, causing a moral dilemma. He knew lying was a shortcut to a potentially beneficial outcome for himself, but he felt that it might hurt the friendship. He considered the repercussions to his integrity and trust.
• The soldier experienced a qualm before pulling the trigger. He battled in his mind about taking another life, however justified it was in the conflict. The thought of ending someone's life bothered him and created intense inner conflict. His conscience challenged his orders. He hesitated for a moment before releasing the safety.
• After the argument, Maria felt a qualm about the harsh words she used with her sister. She recognized the sting her words had created and worried it would impact their relationship. She knew that the impact of her anger might be long-lasting, and she wished she could take them back. She decided to apologize for her angry, uncaring response.
• Even though the restaurant was very busy, the chef felt a qualm when he added a dish that used frozen ingredients. He knew that fresh ingredients would make for a better meal but time and money were important. The cheaper ingredients meant better profits, but he preferred the taste of fresh foods. The qualm was a constant reminder.