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

By using iron and phosphate instead of nickel and cobalt, the LFP batteries solve several issues associated with the battery industry, such as high cost, unethical sourcing, and supply chain bottlenecks. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026

Sanft characterized Kading as an unethical former cop who purloined a recording of the confidential proffer for profit. — John L. Smith, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026

Scientific and medical experts have largely dismissed this attack, noting that such trials are unnecessary, in many cases unethical, and in some cases the claim is just false. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026

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