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Unethically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unethically

[ʌnˈɛθɪkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

behavior

in a way that is not morally right or proper; dishonestly

Synonyms

dishonestly, immorally, unfairly, unjustly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unethically

Use in situations where actions go against professional or societal moral standards, often in a business or professional setting.

  • She acted unethically by manipulating the test results to favor her company.
dishonestly

Appropriate when referring to actions that involve lying, cheating, or deceit. Generally implies personal or small-scale misconduct.

  • He obtained the job by dishonestly inflating his qualifications.
immorally

Used to describe actions that go against personal morality or broader social standards, often with a strong negative connotation.

  • Committing a crime for personal gain is considered acting immorally.
unfairly

Best used when describing situations where someone is treated without justice or equality, often related to rules or distribution of resources.

  • She felt she was treated unfairly when she was passed over for the promotion.
unjustly

Similar to 'unfairly' but with a stronger focus on violation of laws or rights, often used in more formal or legal contexts.

  • The prisoner argued that he had been unjustly detained without proper evidence.

Examples of usage

  • He unethically used insider information to gain an advantage in the stock market.
  • The company unethically exploited its workers for cheap labor.
  • She unethically copied someone else's work and claimed it as her own.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle talked about ethics as virtues that guide good behavior, meaning actions can be judged as ethical or unethical.
  • Utilitarianism, a philosophical approach, argues that the best actions are those that maximize happiness, implying some actions could be unethical based on their consequences.
  • The concept of 'moral relativism' suggests that what is considered unethical might vary between cultures and societies.

Pop Culture

  • Movies frequently depict characters making unethical choices, often leading to their downfall, illustrating the consequences of such actions.
  • Television shows like 'Breaking Bad' explore the theme of unethical behavior and its impacts on relationships and morality.
  • Many video games challenge players with decisions that reflect ethical dilemmas, asking them to weigh options as 'ethical' or 'unethical'.

Business

  • Unethical practices in business can include things like lying to customers or exploiting workers, leading to legal actions or loss of reputation.
  • Corporate scandals often arise from unethical decision-making, such as embezzlement or environmental violations.
  • Ethics training in the workplace aims to help employees recognize and avoid unethical behavior.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals may engage in unethical behavior when they believe it is justified, often due to pressure or temptation.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when actions conflict with personal ethics, leading individuals to rationalize their unethical behaviors.
  • Teaching children about ethics early can help them make better choices in situations where they might be tempted to act unethically.

Origin of 'unethically'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'ethic', which is about what is right or wrong in behavior.
  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'unethical' literally means 'not ethical'.
  • The word began to be commonly used in English around the late 19th century.

The word 'unethically' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'ethically', which comes from the Greek word 'ethikos' meaning 'moral character'. The concept of ethics dates back to ancient philosophy, where moral principles and values were discussed. The adverb 'unethically' is commonly used in discussions about morality, business practices, and personal conduct.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,249, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.