Amoral: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing someone or something that does not have or show any concern for moral standards, not necessarily judging actions as good or bad.

• He is an amoral scientist who only considers the outcomes of his experiments, irrespective of the consequences
• The company takes an amoral stance, focusing solely on profits

Typically used to describe a person who has no moral principles and acts in a selfish or dishonest way, often carrying a negative tone.

• He was an unprincipled politician who would say anything to get elected
• Her unprincipled behavior made her unpopular among her peers

Use this word to describe actions or behaviors that violate accepted professional or societal standards of conduct. It also carries a negative connotation.

• The lawyer was disbarred for unethical practices
• It is considered unethical to manipulate data in scientific research

Best used when describing actions or behaviors that are considered wrong or evil according to moral principles. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

• Lying to your friends is considered immoral
• His involvement in the scandal was deemed deeply immoral by the community

Used to describe someone who behaves in a dishonest or unfair way in order to gain an advantage, with a strong negative implication.

• The unscrupulous car dealer sold me a defective vehicle
• He was known for his unscrupulous business tactics