unethical acts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unethical acts" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to actions that are in violation of accepted moral standards. For example, "The chairman was found guilty of committing several unethical acts, including insider trading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It can force people to act ethically, rather than encourage unethical acts.

The New Yorker

In 1978 he fired the police chief after he publicly accused Kucinich of trying to force him to commit "unethical acts".

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if I were to place unethical acts on an ascending continuum of 1 to 100, I'd give you and your wife a 4. Maybe a 3.

The New York Times - Magazine

-- Michael Hoke, Washington To cheat a library, that noble institution of democracy, and exploit poor immigrants are indeed unethical acts, but are you certain this is happening?

The New York Times - Magazine

She is a master at teasing out the ramifications of unethical acts -- whether rape, as in "We Were the Mulvaneys," or murder, as in "Wonderland".

The New York Times - Books

In contrast, participants scoring higher in Proactivity reported lower intentions to comply with unethical acts, and here the difference between the intentions of high and low Proactivity participants was even more significant.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Is this an unethical act?

The New York Times - Magazine

Are we committing an unethical act by using the courts?

The New York Times - Magazine

Am I an accomplice to an unethical act or just an employee following instructions?

The New York Times - Magazine

In the taped interview with his daughter, which was recorded in June, he said, "I never committed an unethical act in my life".

The New York Times

But the broader ethics of the situation are thornier: how do we assess an unethical act that has a positive impact?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific instances, provide concrete details to illustrate the "unethical acts" and their impact.

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of simply stating that someone committed "unethical acts", specify what those acts were and why they are considered unethical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unethical acts" functions as a noun phrase, where "unethical" modifies the noun "acts". According to Ludwig and its examples, it's used to describe actions that deviate from accepted moral standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unethical acts" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions that violate moral or professional standards. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic discussions. While it's a versatile phrase, providing specific details about the acts in question enhances clarity. Using alternatives such as "immoral actions" or "corrupt practices" can add nuance depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid generalizations, and clearly define the act and its ethical implications for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immoral actions

Replaces "unethical" with "immoral", emphasizing a violation of moral principles.

unprincipled behavior

Focuses on the lack of guiding principles in the behavior, rather than specific acts.

dishonorable deeds

Highlights the lack of honor or integrity in the actions.

corrupt practices

Emphasizes the element of corruption or abuse of power.

reprehensible conduct

Focuses on the blameworthy nature of the behavior.

wrongful activities

Highlights the aspect of injustice or legal wrongdoing.

shady dealings

Implies secrecy and a lack of transparency in the actions.

unconscionable acts

Stresses that acts are against someone's conscience

deplorable actions

Focuses on the contemptible nature of the actions.

underhanded tactics

Suggests the use of sly or devious methods.

FAQs

How can I use "unethical acts" in a sentence?

Use "unethical acts" to describe actions that violate moral principles or professional codes of conduct. For example, "The investigation revealed a series of "unethical acts" within the company's accounting department."

What are some alternatives to "unethical acts"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "immoral actions", "unprincipled behavior", or "corrupt practices".

Is there a difference between "unethical acts" and "illegal acts"?

"Unethical acts" refer to actions that violate moral standards, while "illegal acts" are those that break the law. Some actions can be both unethical and illegal, but not always.

What kind of behavior is normally referred to as "unethical acts"?

Actions often labeled as "unethical acts" includes fraud, bribery, conflicts of interest, and violations of confidentiality. These actions breach accepted standards of integrity and fairness.