ethical

eth·i·cal

adjective \ˈe-thi-kəl\

Definition of ETHICAL

1

: of or relating to ethics <ethical theories>

2

: involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval <ethical judgments>

3

: conforming to accepted standards of conduct <ethical behavior>

4

of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription

— eth·i·cal·i·ty \ˌe-thə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— eth·i·cal·ly \ˈe-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— eth·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

Variants of ETHICAL

eth·i·cal also eth·ic \-thik\

Examples of ETHICAL

1. Some doctors feel that this procedure is not medically ethical.
2. <the ethical behavior expected of every member of the police force>

Origin of ETHICAL

Middle English etik, from Latin ethicus, from Greek ēthikos, from ēthos character — more at sib

First Known Use: 1588

Related to ETHICAL

Synonyms

all right, decent, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, nice, right, righteous, right-minded, straight, true, upright, virtuous

Antonyms

bad, black, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong

Related Words

correct, decorous, proper, seemly; high-minded, noble, principled; commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate; esteemed, law-abiding, menschy, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy; blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorrupt (also incorrupted), incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable; angelic (or angelical), lily-white, pure, scrupulous, spotless, uncorrupted, unerring; goody-goody, moralistic, pharisaical, rectitudinous, sanctimonious, self-righteous

Near Antonyms

improper, incorrect, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, perverted, reprobate; unprincipled, unscrupulous; atrocious, infamous, villainous; base, low, mean, vicious, vile; blameworthy, objectionable, offensive; iniquitous, nefarious; errant, erring, fallen

See Synonym Discussion at moral

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism