unethical

[ uhn-eth-i-kuhl ]

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

/ ʌnˈɛθɪkəl /

adjective

1. not ethical; improper

   companies involved in unethical practices

Other Words From

• un·ethi·cal·ly adverb
• un·ethi·cal·ness un·ethi·cali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unethical¹

un- ¹ + ethical

Example Sentences

Mr Swann said he previously told assembly members, in response to a number of written questions, that he believed the orders were "unethical and unnecessary to deploy based on age or disability".

From BBC

It also says the changes aim to protect prospective students from "unethical" providers, alleging some accept students without sufficient language skills or academic standards and enrol people who intend to work instead of study.

From BBC

Host Howard Kurtz described CBS’ actions as “unethical,” although he informed Trump that the FCC has said it would never pull a TV station’s license due to a complaint from a politician over news coverage.

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Simon Capewell, an expert in public health at Liverpool University, called the plans "unethical," saying they target people for economic reasons "rather than prioritising the person’s own interests and health".

From BBC

“The stress and trauma caused by the threats, hostile work environment, and Plaintiff’s exposure to illegal and unethical activities severely impacted his mental and emotional well-being,” the complaint said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corrupt
• illegal
• improper
• underhanded
• unfair
• unprofessional
• unscrupulous
• wrong