unethical

adjective

un·​eth·​i·​cal ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl How to pronounce unethical (audio)
Synonyms of unethicalnext
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The American Psychological Association calls it both unethical and ineffective. Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026 To do so is to be tacitly complicit in what these companies know to be wrong, unethical and immoral. Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026 Their complaint cited lawyers who quit the DOJ or were fired by Bondi for refusing unethical orders. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026 Their complaint cited lawyers who quit the DOJ or were fired by Bondi for refusing unethical orders. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unethical

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unethical was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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