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Synonyms

unethical

American  
[uhn-eth-i-kuhl] / ʌnˈɛθ ɪ kəl /

adjective

  1. lacking moral principles; unwilling to adhere to proper rules of conduct.

  2. not in accord with the standards of a profession.

    She treated patients outside the area of her training, and the appropriate medical organization punished her unethical behavior.


unethical British  
/ ʌnˈɛθɪkəl /

adjective

  1. not ethical; improper

    companies involved in unethical practices

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unethicality noun
  • unethically adverb
  • unethicalness noun

Etymology

Origin of unethical

un- 1 + ethical

Compare meaning

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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.

Ugarte has also faced allegations of unethical behavior for failing to disclose income he made through lobbying and consulting work outside of City Hall.

From Los Angeles Times

A new law went into effect Jan. 1 giving private citizens the right to sue an attorney for unethical practices.

From Los Angeles Times

The State Bar hated the news conference, disciplining the duo for what they considered an act of unethical and distasteful advertising.

From Los Angeles Times

“Kramer’s actions were illegal and unethical, and we are holding him accountable.”

From The Wall Street Journal

In her lawsuit, she alleged “such conduct constitutes unlawful and unethical behavior for attorneys.”

From Los Angeles Times