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

• bad
• dark
• evil
• immoral
• iniquitous
• nefarious
• rotten
• sinful
• unlawful
• unrighteous
• unsavory
• vicious
• vile
• villainous
• wicked
• wrong

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

Murphy said Burberry already conducted an investigation following an earlier complaint from PETA, and found no evidence of unethical treatment of animals, or of negative impact on biodiversity in the brand’s cashmere supply chain. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024

Asked about the termination, Hyman denied any unethical behavior and said his firing stemmed from philosophical differences with Aramis Ayala, the former Democratic state attorney who headed the office then. —Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2024

There are also proven ways to avoid these unethical extras. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 3 June 2024

The first unethical truth of generative AI has probably gotten the most attention. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above