unethical

adjective

un·​eth·​i·​cal ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl How to pronounce unethical (audio)
: not conforming to a high moral standard : morally wrong : not ethical
illegal and unethical business practices
immoral and unethical behavior
unethically adverb

Examples of unethical in a Sentence

unethical treatment of prisoners of war that was a clear violation of international law an unethical attorney, he had no qualms about getting off clients who he knew were guilty
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The licenses included rules that providers called unethical, including mandatory pelvic exams for women. arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025 In the late 1970s, after a traumatic event on their honeymoon, a struggling couple visit an experimental and borderline unethical memory research facility. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 Endorsing or opposing board candidates is outside the vendor role and is unethical — neutrality is required. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025 More to Read May 27, 2025 Voices Hiltzik: RFK Jr.’s plans for vaccine testing are highly unethical and a danger to your health. Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unethical

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unethical was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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