adj
unethical
uhn-EH-thih-kuhl
adj
1
Not conforming to accepted moral or professional standards.
"It would be unethical for the doctor to treat a family member for profit."
"The report accused the firm of unethical business practices."
How to Use Unethical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMorally wrong, or against the accepted rules of a profession.
Common mistake
Something can be unethical without being illegal — the two aren't the same.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
unethical behaviour
unethical practices
Word Forms
more unethical comparative, most unethical superlative
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It would be _____ for the doctor to treat a family member for profit.
Etymology
From un- ("not") plus ethical.