ethically wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe an action that goes against one's moral values or beliefs. For example, "It was ethically wrong for him to take advantage of his powerless neighbor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's morally and ethically wrong".

The New Yorker

"This is morally and ethically wrong!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are also economically and ethically wrong.

The New York Times

"It's ethically wrong to be promoting biofuel, unless it'ssecond generation.

Independent

These critics say that the breakdown was ethically wrong.

The New York Times

"This redistricting is not only illegal, but it's ethically wrong".

The New York Times

While ethically wrong, that could at least be economically justified.

The Guardian - Sport

publications describe the D&X abortion method as ethically wrong.

The New York Times

"It's morally wrong, it's ethically wrong, it's financially wrong.

The New York Times

Nor did he admit that anything he did at The Mirror was ethically wrong.

The New York Times

But when they bring it back, you think, This is ethically wrong".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional conduct, use "ethically wrong" to highlight violations of a code of ethics, contrasting it with "legally wrong" if a law is broken. Specify which ethical code is being violated to add precision.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically wrong" interchangeably with "morally wrong" without considering the context. While they often overlap, "ethically wrong" typically refers to violations of professional or societal ethical codes, whereas "morally wrong" relates to personal beliefs and values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically wrong" serves as an adjective that describes something violating ethical principles or standards. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethically wrong" is used to describe actions that violate established ethical codes or principles. Ludwig AI affirms that its grammatical status is correct and very common, particularly in news and media and science contexts. While similar to "morally wrong", "ethically wrong" often refers to violations of professional or societal ethical standards, not just personal beliefs. When using this phrase, consider whether the violation pertains to a specific ethical code and avoid interchanging it without considering this distinction. Alternatives such as "ethically unacceptable", "morally objectionable" and "against ethical principles" can provide nuanced ways to express ethical disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethically unacceptable

Stresses that something does not meet ethical standards and should not be tolerated.

against ethical principles

Directly states a conflict with established ethical guidelines.

ethically indefensible

Emphasizes the lack of justification for an action from an ethical standpoint.

morally objectionable

Focuses more on moral principles and personal values rather than broader ethical standards.

not in accordance with ethical standards

A formal and explicit way of saying that something fails to meet ethical requirements.

morally reprehensible

Highlights the blameworthiness and condemnation of an action from a moral perspective.

ethically dubious

Suggests uncertainty or doubt about the ethical validity of something.

ethically compromised

Implies that ethical standards have been violated, leading to a weakened or damaged state.

of questionable ethics

Indicates that the ethical nature of something is uncertain and open to debate.

ethically tainted

Suggests that something has been corrupted or negatively affected by unethical practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethically wrong" to describe actions that violate established ethical codes or principles. For example, "It is ethically wrong for a doctor to disclose patient information without consent."

What is a good substitute for "ethically wrong"?

Alternatives include "ethically unacceptable", "morally objectionable", or "against ethical principles" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is both "morally" and "ethically wrong"?

Yes, it is correct if the action violates both personal moral beliefs and broader ethical standards. For example, "The company's actions were both morally and ethically wrong, causing harm to the community and violating industry regulations."

What's the difference between "ethically wrong" and "legally wrong"?

"Ethically wrong" refers to actions that violate ethical principles or codes, while "legally wrong" refers to actions that violate laws. An action can be one, both, or neither.