unethical

[uhn-eth-i-kuhl] / ʌnˈɛθ ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

dishonest, immoral

Synonyms

STRONGEST

corrupt illegal improper underhanded unfair unprofessional unscrupulous wrong

WEAK

cheating crooked dirty dirty-dealing dishonorable disreputable double-crossing fake fishy flimflam fly-by-night mercenary shady sharp slick slippery sneaky two-faced two-timing underhand unprincipled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate correct decent ethical good honest moral principled right suitable uncorrupt

WEAK

upright

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The agency’s main criticism was that its trial lacked a control arm, though this would be unethical in late-stage patients who failed to improve on other therapies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Police officers working to shut down an illegal rave at a beauty spot used "unethical" force, one partygoer has told the BBC.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

These groups have explained that it is impossible to change a person’s identity in this way and deeply unethical to try.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

We thought flopping and foul-baiting made for unethical hoops, but those are but basketball misdemeanors; Adebayo’s big night was felonious.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

She felt as if she were doing something improper, unethical: expecting to get food in exchange for nothing.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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