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
• villainous
• improper
• iniquitous
• infamous
• offensive
• unsavory
• ugly
• unrighteous
• dirty
• prohibited
• cursed
• nasty
• dishonest
• disreputable
• condemned
• contemptible
• 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
• fallen
• dishonorable
• unseemly
• discouraged
• blamable
• debauched
• evil-minded
• unclean
• outlawed
• miserable
• libertine
• indecent
• pestilential
• loose
• proscribed
• barred
• scrofulous
• unbecoming
• low
• vulgar
• lousy
• indecorous
• low-minded
• disallowed
• wretched
• execrable
• banned
• errant
• reprobate
• erring
• cussed
• curst
• interdicted
• defiling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ethical
• moral
• honorable
• good
• right
• legitimate
• virtuous
• honest
• legal
• righteous
• high
• 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
• indorsed
• 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

Examples of unethical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The school is pushing to fire Gow for unethical conduct, insubordination for refusing to cooperate with an investigation and violating computer policies. —Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024

But the De Pere midwife who was ordered a decade ago to stop practicing without a license in Wisconsin is now accused of risky and unethical practices in numerous births. —Alyssa N. Salcedo, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024

Tunnel vision can contribute to unethical behavior, causing short-cuts, exaggerations, unreported risk or cover-ups. —Nuala Walsh, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

In many cases, an order may be unethical and immoral but ultimately legal, and the military is obligated to follow it (after letting political leaders understand their concerns). —Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 13 Sep. 2024