Synonyms of unethical

unethical

adjective

ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl 

1

as in immoral

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• immoral
• unlawful
• evil
• sinful
• vicious
• bad
• vile
• dark
• wicked
• illegal
• wrong
• obscene
• nefarious
• corrupt
• rotten
• cruel
• unauthorized
• improper
• villainous
• iniquitous
• infamous
• offensive
• unsavory
• ugly
• unrighteous
• dirty
• prohibited
• cursed
• nasty
• dishonest
• disreputable
• contemptible
• condemned
• despicable
• reprehensible
• ignoble
• forbidden
• sordid
• objectionable
• naughty
• ill
• unhealthy
• atrocious
• pernicious
• unscrupulous
• incorrect
• mean
• depraved
• sick
• censurable
• perverted
• infernal
• blameworthy
• snide
• unwholesome
• ungodly
• unprincipled
• degenerate
• noxious
• base
• dissolute
• debased
• dishonorable
• fallen
• unseemly
• discouraged
• debauched
• evil-minded
• unclean
• outlawed
• miserable
• libertine
• indecent
• pestilential
• loose
• proscribed
• barred
• scrofulous
• unbecoming
• low
• blamable
• vulgar
• lousy
• indecorous
• low-minded
• disallowed
• wretched
• execrable
• banned
• errant
• reprobate
• erring
• cussed
• interdicted
• defiling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ethical
• moral
• honorable
• good
• right
• legitimate
• virtuous
• honest
• legal
• high
• righteous
• noble
• decent
• sublime
• permissible
• scrupulous
• reputable
• just
• permitted
• upright
• principled
• lofty
• elevated
• authorized
• licensed
• endorsed
• approved
• sanctioned
• correct
• proper
• promoted
• allowed
• high-minded
• supported
• decent
• clean
• exemplary
• encouraged
• commendable
• seemly
• law-abiding
• pure
• perfect
• decorous
• innocent
• creditable
• white
• blameless
• wholesome
• unobjectionable
• guiltless
• worthy
• incorruptible
• irreproachable
• abetted
• inoffensive
• immaculate
• respected
• chaste
• venerable
• spotless
• uncorrupted
• esteemed
• unerring
• squeaky-clean
• lily-white
• unfallen
• upstanding

2

as in ruthless

not guided by or showing a concern for what is right

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• immoral
• ruthless
• corrupt
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• unconscionable
• Machiavellian
• cutthroat
• dishonest
• merciless
• crooked
• deceitful
• pitiless
• calculating
• remorseless
• depraved
• opportunistic
• licentious
• degenerate
• degraded
• profligate
• debased
• debauched
• decadent
• libertine
• demoralized
• knavish
• scheming
• dissipated
• dog-eat-dog
• cheapjack
• jackleg
• sharp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ethical
• moral
• good
• honorable
• scrupulous
• noble
• virtuous
• conscientious
• principled
• righteous
• just

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unethical

Examples like sales phone time or the Wells Fargo scandal illustrate how focusing solely on numbers can distort behavior, leading to superficial achievements or even unethical practices. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

In March, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on X that oil refiners and corporations engaged in price-fixing would be held accountable, vowing to deploy all lawful measures against unethical business practices. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026

And that, in turn, has attracted some unethical providers who use predatory practices to keep patients, particularly out-of-state residents, in a treatment loop. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

In another nod to Scream, Cheri Oteri parodies Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers as the comically unethical news anchor Gail Hailstorm. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026