unethical

adjective

ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl How to pronounce unethical (audio)
Definition of unethicalnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unethical The firm, also known as DTLA, denied allegations of unethical solicitation. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unethical
  1. immoral
  2. ruthless
  3. unlawful
  4. corrupt
  5. evil
  6. sinful
  7. vicious
  8. bad
Adjective
  • Neither Agamemnon nor Menelaus grasp that their actions toward their wives were immoral.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
  • Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Definition of immoral
Adjective
  • For Arsenal, the mission to create their best possible squad for depth and quality requires some upgrades in certain areas, and Berta won’t mind being ruthless if a sacrifice here leads to a new crowning there.
    — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Her portrayal of Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing helped define the prime-time soap’s appeal, with the character’s romances becoming just as talked about as her ruthless ambition.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • Greg Field, a 27-year LAPD veteran and director of the Police Transportation Motor Transport Division, noted the sync systems are useful for mass messages, such as at a fire evacuation or an unlawful assembly.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • McFadden is currently charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • But if surveillance pricing seems corrupt or unethical, get ready.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Raids may temporarily remove leaders but leave corrupt relationships and financial machinery intact, allowing the organization to regenerate.
    — Robert Muggah, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of corrupt
Adjective
  • Bannister starred in all five Phantasm films, battling the evil Tall Man, a role that cemented his place in horror cinema.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the very best efforts of writers, cast and crew, Rhaenyra, her evil half-brothers and all their fellow citizens were never Martin’s main characters.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of evil
Adjective
  • My prescribed low-carb, caffeine-free diet sounded horrifying on paper, but my sinful pleasures were replaced with a tasty, high-quality, and healthy alternative that left me more energized.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • Critics also have challenged the report’s characterization of cases involving women, contending these were consensual affairs that were sinful but not abusive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Definition of sinful
Adjective
  • And on the other side of the ball, this defense has a chance to be downright vicious.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Heidegger, the philosopher of authenticity and independent thought, had become one of them, surrendering to vicious political cant.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of vicious
Adjective
  • Sensing a disconnect or worse, a feeling of being forgotten, Campbell this summer invited some of the men who wrote those letters to campus.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Dry weather periods are expected in Colorado, and wildfires tend to be worse during these times.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bad

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unessential
unethical
unethically
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Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unethical. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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