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

The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, which helps root out goods made with unethical labor, helped identify the batch announced Friday. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 31 July 2026

But the models will often do anything – including unethical steps like hacking – to do that. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Edward Obayashi, a deputy sheriff and policy adviser who teaches an ethics and policing class in California, said there is nothing unethical about what the governor or the officer did. — Jessica Hill, Fortune, 15 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