unethical

adjective

un·​eth·​i·​cal ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl 

: not conforming to a high moral standard : morally wrong : not ethical

illegal and unethical business practices

immoral and unethical behavior

unethically

ˌən-ˈe-thi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bad
• dark
• evil
• immoral
• iniquitous
• nefarious
• rotten
• sinful
• unlawful
• unrighteous
• unsavory
• vicious
• vile
• villainous
• wicked
• wrong

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

Trump’s order was denounced by Democrats including Sen. Patty Murray, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, who called the action unconscionable and unethical. —Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

Public pressure has led companies to drop controversial figures, improve labor practices, and cut ties with unethical suppliers. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

His research focuses on workplace ethics and leadership, examining the causes of unethical behavior, methods to foster ethical practices, and the role of ethical leadership. —Harvard Business Review, 12 Feb. 2025

Factory workers would rally behind a universal rule to end unethical practices. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above