unethical

adjective

un·​eth·​i·​cal ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl How to pronounce unethical (audio)
: not conforming to a high moral standard : morally wrong : not ethical
illegal and unethical business practices
immoral and unethical behavior
unethically adverb

Examples of unethical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Greco was a major fundraiser for Adams during his mayoral campaigns who has already been the target of a local Department of Investigation inquiry after reporting by local outlet the City uncovered allegations of unethical fundraising behavior last year. James Farrell, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 While not inherently a sign of any unethical activity, traders and the volatility connected with these still-new assets can result in losses and further questions around the stability and business uses of these points. Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Similar to cellular trail cameras and crossbows, the technology has been met with resistance by a certain faction who contends that drones offer hunters an unfair advantage and could lead to a number of unethical scenarios. Hayden Sammak, Outdoor Life, 8 Feb. 2024 Backlash was swift, with some online saying using AI to complete a late artist’s work is unethical and others calling the post a strong argument against AI art. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2024 There is legitimate worry that a hunter who solicited a drone recovery service might be tempted to act on information previously unknown prior to the drone flight, thus crossing the line from fair chase into unethical territory. Hayden Sammak, Outdoor Life, 8 Feb. 2024 Minor backlashes have erupted over the years asking whether Kim’s business model is unethical or if his reviews are automatically biased because money has changed hands. Christopher Null, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2024 Artists and songwriters need to be compensated appropriately for their work and protected from unethical uses of AI. Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2024 And doing therapy without explicit informed consent, especially in front of a crowd, is inherently unethical. Emily Latimer, Longreads, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unethical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unethical was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near unethical

Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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