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

But narcissists famously have a dark side as well that includes unethical, autocratic and aggressive behavior. —Eddie Brummelman, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025

Even the film's ostensible progressives, like Tucci's Bellini, are not immune to unethical bargaining behind the scenes. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025

At times of political and cultural upset, literature has often been a way for society to process, understand, and push back against unethical policies or administrations. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025

Recklessly slashing everything the government does without congressional approval is unconstitutional and most certainly unethical. —Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unethical

• ethical