ethically unsound

USAGE SUMMARY

'ethically unsound' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action which is morally wrong or not in accordance with accepted standards of ethics. For example, "The company was criticized for its ethically unsound decision to source its materials from a supplier with a questionable record on worker safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Even on the red carpet she won't wear anything ethically unsound (fur, diamonds).

Independent

The complexity of clinical research has meant that clinical trial protocols are often scientifically and ethically unsound.

Knowledge-Based Systems

All 15 doctors interviewed for this article didn't see anything ethically unsound about remunerating patients for posting glowing endorsements.

The New York Times

But opponents of the law argue that while refugees can in general still expect to be treated humanely in Denmark, the legislation is ethically unsound.

The Guardian

The next day, governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, another strong, likely-but-not-yet-announced Republican presidential candidate, released a statement framing the clean water rule as economically and ethically unsound: a form of Washington power grab affecting individual Americans' private lives and businesses.

The Guardian

Such a model would allow the conduct of experimental studies that are technically challenging and/or ethically unsound in human infants, and potentially give a better understanding of such issues as the effect of alteration of CPAP pressure, the relative merits of CPAP delivery devices and the optimal approach to nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV).

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Earlier this week, Kiefer Sutherland, who plays Bauer, tweeted a picture from inside Wembley stadium, which suggests that Bauer is either going to spend some of his time in London watching the football or that there will be a scene where he somehow turns the arch into an ethically-unsound electrified torture device to injure terrorists on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I mean, ethically unfit.

The Washington Post

Things that are ethically or environmentally unsound.

The New York Times - Arts

But Americans consume vastly more chicken, turkey, pork and beef than foie gras and veal, and most of the creatures those meats come from are raised in ways that are ethically and environmentally unsound.

The New York Times

Considering that healthcare professionals have an ethical duty to palliate when a child is believed to be suffering at the end of life [ 12, 13], the lacuna of evidence-based care practices derived from PPC research with patients can be both ethically questionable and methodologically unsound [ 14].

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethically unsound" when you want to convey that something violates accepted standards of right and wrong within a specific ethical framework. Be sure to clarify the framework if it's not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically unsound" loosely to describe something merely inconvenient or undesirable. Ensure a genuine ethical principle is being violated, not just a personal preference or practical concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically unsound" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is morally or ethically deficient. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ethically unsound" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to describe something that violates accepted ethical standards. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's readily usable in written English. While not extremely frequent, it appears in a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. Remember to use it precisely, ensuring a true ethical principle is at stake. Consider alternatives like "morally objectionable" or "unethical" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally objectionable

Focuses on the moral aspect, implying strong disapproval based on personal principles.

ethically questionable

Suggests uncertainty or doubt about the ethical implications, implying a lack of clear justification.

morally wrong

A direct and clear statement that something violates moral principles.

ethically dubious

Similar to 'questionable' but indicates a greater degree of skepticism or suspicion.

unethical

A more concise and direct synonym, implying a violation of ethical codes or standards.

morally unacceptable

Highlights the idea that something cannot be tolerated based on moral grounds.

ethically improper

Suggests that something does not adhere to established ethical norms or conventions.

against ethical principles

Emphasizes a direct contradiction with established ethical guidelines or doctrines.

ethically unjustifiable

Implies that no valid ethical reason exists to support the action or decision.

morally indefensible

Similar to 'unjustifiable' but specifically focuses on the lack of moral support or rationale.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethically unsound" to describe actions, decisions, or practices that violate accepted ethical standards. For example, "The company's marketing strategy was deemed "ethically unsound" because it targeted vulnerable populations."

What's a good alternative to saying "ethically unsound"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "morally objectionable", "ethically questionable", or simply "unethical".

Is there a difference between "ethically unsound" and "morally wrong"?

"Ethically unsound" often refers to a violation of a specific code of conduct or professional ethics, while "morally wrong" is a broader term that encompasses violations of general moral principles. They can often be used interchangeably, but "ethically unsound" is more specific.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "ethically unsound"?

Use "ethically unsound" when you want to emphasize that an action or decision goes against established principles of ethical behavior, such as fairness, honesty, or respect for others. Make sure you can clearly articulate why something is "ethically unsound".