ethically unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically unacceptable" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions or behaviors that go against moral or ethical principles. Example: It is ethically unacceptable to discriminate against someone based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this context, "an unacceptable exposure profile for purposes of quantifying efficacy in the prevailing research protocol is not the ethically unacceptable achievement of a toxic exposure but an unacceptably rapid trend rate toward potentially toxic exposure".

Environmental Health Perspectives

Procreation for the sake of the parents is ethically unacceptable.

The New Yorker

This makes it dangerous and ethically unacceptable," they write.

Independent

Biofuels from food crops are ethically unacceptable, and driving up food prices through speculation is immoral.

The New York Times

WHILE the Pope was in Cuba last month, he denounced the American trade embargo as "ethically unacceptable".

The Economist

However, other scientists have called for a moratorium on editing the human germ-line, arguing that it is ethically unacceptable because it is too unpredictable and too risky.

Independent

As he has for days, Mr. Cuomo criticized Mr. McCall and Mr. Pataki for taking contributions from companies with state contracts, saying that was "ethically unacceptable".

The New York Times

3. It is ethically unacceptable for anyone in the media and entertainment industries to show images of chimpanzees that displease these researchers.

The New York Times

Work in animals supports cancer reduction with aspirin, but no long-term randomised clinical trials exist in human beings, and randomisation would be ethically unacceptable because vascular protection would have to be denied to a proportion of the participants.

The Lancet

Here, at the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, in Laurel, Md., where we raised chicks L8 and L10 until their release in Louisiana last winter, we find these killings personally and scientifically heartbreaking and ethically unacceptable.

The New York Times

Biennale of Sydney range of artists Sydney design academic, Matthew Kiem, recently penned an open letter to visual arts teachers to send a strong, public message to the Biennale that association with a company like Transfield was ethically unacceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, use "ethically unacceptable" to clearly and firmly express disapproval of actions that violate established moral principles. This leaves no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically unacceptable" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's a strong phrase best reserved for formal discussions, academic papers, or professional settings where ethical considerations are paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically unacceptable" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that violates ethical principles. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used to express strong disapproval of certain actions or practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethically unacceptable" is a powerful descriptor used to condemn actions that breach moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations demanding a firm, unambiguous expression of ethical disapproval. Alternatives like "morally reprehensible" or "ethically impermissible" can be used to maintain the formal tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate context, you can effectively use "ethically unacceptable" to convey strong ethical judgments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally reprehensible

Replaces "ethically" with "morally", focusing on the violation of moral principles.

ethically impermissible

Substitutes "unacceptable" with "impermissible", highlighting the lack of ethical allowance.

morally indefensible

Emphasizes the lack of justification from a moral standpoint, similar to ethical considerations.

ethically unjustifiable

Focuses on the inability to provide ethical reasons to support or defend the action.

ethically inappropriate

Indicates that the action is not suitable or fitting within ethical standards.

morally wrong

A more straightforward way of expressing ethical disapproval, focusing on moral correctness.

ethically dubious

Suggests that the ethical standing is questionable or uncertain.

ethically problematic

Highlights the presence of ethical issues or challenges associated with the action.

against ethical standards

Directly states that the action is in opposition to established ethical norms.

violates ethical principles

Explicitly points out the breach of ethical guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "ethically unacceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "ethically unacceptable" to describe actions or behaviors that violate moral principles. For example, "It is ethically unacceptable to discriminate against someone based on their race."

What's a less formal alternative to "ethically unacceptable"?

If you need a less formal way to express disapproval, consider alternatives like "morally wrong" or "ethically inappropriate".

Is it always clear what is considered "ethically unacceptable"?

No, what is considered "ethically unacceptable" can vary based on cultural norms, personal beliefs, and specific contexts. Ethical guidelines often provide a framework, but interpretation can differ.

What's the difference between "ethically unacceptable" and "illegal"?

"Ethically unacceptable" refers to actions that violate moral principles, while "illegal" refers to actions that violate laws. Something can be ethically unacceptable but not illegal, and vice versa.