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

People are doing backyard breeding, unethical breeding, abandoning their pets, surrendering their pets at alarming rates and they're getting euthanized at alarming rates all across our nation, in shelters just because of space. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Professors have encountered demonstrable issues with widespread cheating, with many forced to devise their own methods for eliminating unethical AI use. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Ending clear unethical activity by a president is important to the long-term health and stability of our country. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

The myth that they’re somehow linked stems from a single report from England involving just a dozen children that was later found to be fraudulent and unethical and was forced to be retracted. — Andrew D. Racine, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026