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

Perhaps not a radically different phase — plenty of anxiety and doubt remains in the wake of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA’s fight with studios and streamers to win protections against unethical uses of artificial intelligence. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 May 2025

But there’s nothing unethical about compensating people for the time, recovery and sacrifice required to save a life. —Lindsay Gutierrez, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025

Latest from Michael Hiltzik Voices Hiltzik: RFK Jr.’s plans for vaccine testing are highly unethical and a danger to your health. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025

Boutros, a Broward prosecutor of 20 years assigned to the Public Corruption Unit, recounted the events of the incident with Moretti and accused him unethical behavior during an interview with defense attorneys. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unethical

• ethical