Definitions

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.

Unethical doctors bill insurers for expensive and unnecessary treatments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Unethical labor practices, both human and animal, continue to crop up the more these industries are looked into.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2021

Unethical traders know that snakes, lizards and turtles do not rank as high priorities for law enforcement and customs officials in Western countries.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2018

Unethical tactics can result in problems over the long term.

From Time • Sep. 9, 2016

In a blog post last week titled "The Goldwater Rule: Why Breaking it is Unethical and Irresponsible," APA President Maria A. Oquendo reiterated that psychiatrists shouldn't offer opinions about candidates they have not personally examined.

From Washington Post • Aug. 10, 2016

Vocabulary lists containing unethical

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The Phantom Tollbooth

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