Definitions:

1. Ethical sensitivity ADJECTIVE
   • Sara's ethical sensitivity made her question the fairness of her company's policies, pushing her to advocate for more equitable practices.
   • The heightened sense of ethical or moral responsibility that makes an individual acutely aware of the implications of their actions.
2. Internal conflict ADJECTIVE
   • The inner turmoil or conflict experienced when one's actions are at odds with their moral beliefs or values.
   • Tom's decision to whistleblow sparked intense internal conflict, balancing loyalty to his company with the urge to expose wrongdoing.
3. Moral self-awareness ADJECTIVE
   • The recognition and reflection upon one's actions as being contrary to one's ethical standards or values.
   • Through meditation, Leo achieved moral self-awareness, recognizing his impact on others and striving to live more ethically.
4. Psychological discomfort noun
   • Facing ethical dilemmas at work, Emma felt a profound psychological discomfort, torn between her professional duties and personal morals.
   • The distress or unease experienced due to actions or thoughts that one perceives as unethical or morally wrong.
5. Regret and remorse ADJECTIVE
   • After the argument, Alex was filled with regret and remorse, wishing he had chosen his words more carefully to avoid hurting Mara.
   • Feelings of deep regret and remorse stemming from actions that are believed to have caused harm or offense to others.
6. Self-reproach ADJECTIVE
   • A state of being self-critical or blaming oneself for actions considered wrong, leading to feelings of guilt.

Synonyms:

• compunction
• contrition
• guilt
• guilt pangs
• moral guilt
• pangs of conscience
• regret
• remorsefulness
• self-condemnation
• self-reproach
• shame