Unethical: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫
Add to dictionary

unethical

 

[ ʌnˈɛθɪk(ə)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not morally correct or acceptable; not conforming to approved standards of social or professional behavior.

Synonyms

dishonest, immoral, unprincipled, unscrupulous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unethical

Used when something goes against the principles or standards of a particular profession or society. Often used in formal contexts, such as business or science.

  • The company's dumping practice was deemed unethical by environmental groups.
  • It's considered unethical for doctors to accept bribes from pharmaceutical companies.
immoral

Refers to actions that are considered wrong or evil according to moral standards. Used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight actions that go against common ethical norms.

  • Cheating on exams is considered immoral by most educational institutions.
  • Stealing from others is an immoral act.
dishonest

Describes someone who lies, cheats, or deceives. Commonly used in everyday situations to describe a lack of truthfulness or trust.

  • He was fired for being dishonest about his work hours.
  • Her dishonest behavior has caused a lot of problems for the team.
unprincipled

Describes someone who lacks moral principles or standards. Often used in a negative light to critique someone's character.

  • The politician's unprincipled actions have tarnished his reputation.
  • She adopted an unprincipled approach to advancing her career.
unscrupulous

Used to describe someone who is willing to do anything, no matter how wrong, to achieve their goals. This term has strong negative connotations.

  • The unscrupulous businessman exploited his employees to maximize profits.
  • Her unscrupulous tactics led to the downfall of her competitors.

Examples of usage

  • His unethical behavior led to his dismissal from the company.
  • She was criticized for her unethical business practices.
  • The company was accused of engaging in unethical conduct.
  • The decision to cut corners was seen as unethical by many.
  • Unethical actions can have serious consequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "unethical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não ético

🇮🇳 अनैतिक

🇩🇪 unethisch

🇮🇩 tidak etis

🇺🇦 неетичний

🇵🇱 nieetyczny

🇯🇵 非倫理的な

🇫🇷 non éthique

🇪🇸 no ético

🇹🇷 etik dışı

🇰🇷 비윤리적인

🇸🇦 غير أخلاقي

🇨🇿 neetický

🇸🇰 neetický

🇨🇳 不道德的

🇸🇮 neetično

🇮🇸 ósiðlegt

🇰🇿 этикалық емес

🇬🇪 არეთიკური

🇦🇿 etik olmayan

🇲🇽 no ético

Etymology

The word 'unethical' originated in the mid-19th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'ethical' meaning 'relating to moral principles'. The concept of ethics has been a fundamental aspect of human society for centuries, guiding individuals and organizations in making moral decisions. The term 'unethical' is commonly used in various fields such as business, politics, and academia to describe actions or behaviors that are considered morally wrong or unacceptable.

See also: ethical, ethically, ethics.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,352, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.