Unethical — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Unethical (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

1. not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

   "unethical treatment of prisoners of war that was a clear violation of international law"

   similar: bad, dark, evil, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unlawful, unrighteous, unsavory, vicious, vile, villainous, wicked, wrong
   related: base, contemptible, despicable, dirty, disreputable, evil-minded, ignoble, ill, infernal, low, mean, snide, sordid, atrocious, cruel, infamous, nasty, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, objectionable, obscene, offensive, reprehensible, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, loose, low-minded, perverted, reprobate, scrofulous, sick, unhealthy, cursed, cussed, defiling, noxious, pernicious, pestilential, ugly, ungodly, unwholesome, banned, barred, condemned, discouraged, forbidden, illegal, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, unauthorized, unclean, disallowed, execrable, lousy, miserable, wretched, errant, erring, fallen, unprincipled, unscrupulous, improper, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly, vulgar, dishonest, dishonorable
   opposite: decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, right, righteous, sublime, upright, virtuous
   near: elevated, high, high-minded, law-abiding, legitimate, lofty, noble, principled, reputable, scrupulous, allowed, authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported, clean, correct, decent, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly, blameless, commendable, creditable, guiltless, chaste, immaculate, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, lily-white, perfect, pure, spotless, squeaky-clean, uncorrupted, unerring, unfallen, unobjectionable, venerable, white, wholesome, esteemed, respected, upstanding, worthy

2. not guided by or showing a concern for what is right

   "an unethical attorney, he had no qualms about getting off clients who he knew were guilty"

   similar: cutthroat, immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unprincipled, unscrupulous
   related: merciless, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, crooked, deceitful, dishonest, jackleg, knavish, corrupt, debased, debauched, decadent, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, dissipated, libertine, licentious, profligate, cheapjack, dog-eat-dog, opportunistic, calculating, scheming, sharp
   opposite: ethical, moral, principled, scrupulous
   near: conscientious, good, honorable, just, noble, righteous, virtuous