unethical

adjective

un·​eth·​i·​cal ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl How to pronounce unethical (audio)
: not conforming to a high moral standard : morally wrong : not ethical
illegal and unethical business practices
immoral and unethical behavior
unethically adverb

Examples of unethical in a Sentence

unethical treatment of prisoners of war that was a clear violation of international law an unethical attorney, he had no qualms about getting off clients who he knew were guilty
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What are people saying about Tony Buzbee? While Buzbee has represented several clients, some are pointing out that Buzbee's work is supposedly unethical at times. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Dec. 2024 This isn’t so much about unethical people doing bad things, but rather a focus on how elevating character alongside competence strengthens all decisions. Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Suggesting that profits are somehow bad or unethical is like saying that breathing or making red blood cells is bad. R. Edward Freeman, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2024 In response to recent media reports about adoptions from South Korea in the 1980s, Holt International acknowledged the potential unethical practices in a public statement and noted Holt Children’s Services separated from Holt International in 1977. Hanna Park, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unethical 

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unethical was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near unethical

Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unethical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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