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.
Controlled experiments on humans, particularly of this kind, are inherently unethical, therefore studies rely on surveys and reports. Danielle Sukenik, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals finds the whole idea of using pig organs unethical. Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 Her emotional response and (to be fair, unethical) choice to threaten the guy suggest to the viewer that Dr. Santos herself experienced a similar kind of trauma as a child. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025 Because many local governments and their operations are so obscure, there are abundant opportunities for unethical behavior and corruption. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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