unethical

adjective

un·​eth·​i·​cal ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl 

: not conforming to a high moral standard : morally wrong : not ethical

illegal and unethical business practices

immoral and unethical behavior

unethically

ˌən-ˈe-thi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of unethical

• immoral
• unlawful
• evil
• sinful
• vicious
• bad
• vile
• dark

Examples of unethical in a Sentence

unethical treatment of prisoners of war that was a clear violation of international law

an unethical attorney, he had no qualms about getting off clients who he knew were guilty

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to the federal investigations, Mills has been accused of misrepresenting his military record, engaging in unethical business dealings, assaulting a girlfriend and stalking an ex-girlfriend. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

In one such example, the Government Accountability Office in 2009 tested whether a group of for-profit IRBs could successfully detect a bogus unethical research protocol and reject it. — Angus Chen, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026

But if surveillance pricing seems corrupt or unethical, get ready. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

The claim of a link stems from an unethical, fraudulent study that was retracted years ago, and its author was stripped of his medical license. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unethical

• ethical