ethical

[ eth-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.
2. being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession:

   It was not considered ethical for physicians to advertise.

   Synonyms: honorable, virtuous, righteous, honest, upright, moral

   Antonyms: immoral

3. (of drugs) sold only upon medical prescription.

ethical

/ ˈɛθɪkəl /

adjective

1. in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct, esp those of a given profession or group
2. of or relating to ethics
3. (of a medicinal agent) available legally only with a doctor's prescription or consent

Derived Forms

• ˈethically, adverb
• ˈethicalness, noun

Other Words From

• eth·i·cal·ly adverb
• eth·i·cal·i·ty [eth-i-, kal, -i-tee], eth·i·cal·ness noun
• hy·per·eth·i·cal adjective
• non·eth·i·cal adjective
• pseu·do·eth·i·cal adjective
• su·per·eth·i·cal adjective
• un·eth·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethical¹

First recorded in 1600–10; ethic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"It's relentless. It's high stakes. It requires expert judgment, stamina, experience, and a strong ethical and moral compass," he told the BBC.

From BBC

As academics we’re held to a high ethical standard and science can be extremely competitive.

From Science Magazine

Hundreds of MPs have spent the last few weeks sifting through the evidence, emotions and ethical dilemmas of the bill, with much of the work playing out in town halls and community centres.

From BBC

"We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns," the company said.

From BBC

But the ethical issues remain, more than half a century later.

From New York Times

Related Words

• good
• honest
• honorable
• humane
• moral
• principled
• proper
• virtuous