Definition

In a way that is not morally right or fair.

Example

The company acted unethically by ignoring safety regulations.

Conversation

Did you hear about that company that acted unethically?

Yeah, it's such a shame they put profit over people.

I can't believe they thought they could get away with it unethically.

Exactly! They really need to be held accountable for their actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unethically → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "ethical" (from Greek "ethikos", meaning moral or relating to ethics) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "unethically" means in a manner that is not moral or not in accordance with ethics.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') behaving in a 'moral' way ('ethical') — that's why unethically means acting in a way that is not moral.

Visually Confused Words