unethical

adjective

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

Synonyms of unethical

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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.
It's regarded as wildly unethical and cruel, so the rationale for Netflix turning it into a TV show, where 30 people enter a real prison for two weeks, is hard to justify. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 This creates a perverse financial incentive for unethical operators to provide substandard care – or even interfere with recovery. — Ilan Shrira, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 Documentarian Erin Lee Carr’s latest project is a deep dive into The Swan, the 2004 reality show widely considered one of the most unethical and sadistic in TV history. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 Other former officials have spoken publicly about the unethical things they were instructed to do. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for unethical

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Browse Nearby Words

unestimable
unethical
unetymological
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Cite this Entry

“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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