unethical practices

USAGE SUMMARY

"unethical practices" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any activities or behavior that goes against moral standards, typically in the workplace. For example: "The company was shut down for engaging in unethical practices, such as hiring undocumented workers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet unethical practices continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These unethical practices are unprecedented and indefensible," Mr. Trumka said.

The New York Times

Hopefully this will inspire other universities and organisations to divest from companies profiting from unethical practices".

The Guardian

It's an area of business which is highly competitive and some use unethical practices.

The Guardian

That led to inflated costs, unethical practices and now terrible returns.

The New York Times

Here, nudity is offered as an alternative to enabling the unethical practices of the fur trade.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Health workers fear suspicions of unethical practices, even if proved untrue, will raise more obstacles to vaccination programs.

The New York Times

I don't excuse him for his unethical practices in office, but I do celebrate his honesty and guts.

The New York Times

The industry takes seriously the issue of sales practices and supports the regulators in the investigation of unethical practices".

The New York Times

In 2000, the Medical Society filed suits against several insurers, charging them with unethical practices in their dealings with doctors.

The New York Times

Potentially unethical practices at RBS are all the more embarrassing because they cover a period when the bank was nationalised.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing broad ethical failures, use "unethical practices" to refer to a pattern of behavior rather than a single incident. For example: "The investigation revealed a history of "unethical practices" within the company."

Common error

Avoid using "unethical practices" to describe simple mistakes or oversights. This phrase implies a deliberate breach of ethical standards, not accidental errors. For instance, a clerical error is not typically an "unethical practice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unethical practices" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies specific actions or behaviors that violate established moral or professional standards, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science & Research

5%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unethical practices" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe behaviors that violate moral standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects deliberate breaches of ethics rather than unintentional errors. Alternatives such as "unscrupulous behavior" or "dishonest conduct" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, you can effectively communicate about ethical issues and promote responsible conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unscrupulous behavior

Focuses more on the behavior itself rather than the established practices.

dishonest conduct

Emphasizes the lack of honesty in the actions taken.

corrupt activities

Highlights the element of corruption and potential illegality.

fraudulent schemes

Specifically refers to deceptive plans designed for illicit gain.

immoral actions

Broadly covers actions that violate moral principles.

exploitative operations

Focuses on the aspect of taking unfair advantage of others.

deceptive methods

Highlights the use of trickery and deceit in achieving a goal.

illegal dealings

Refers to business or personal interactions that are against the law.

irresponsible actions

Highlights the lack of responsibility and care in one's behavior.

dubious tactics

Suggests methods that are questionable and potentially unethical.

FAQs

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

You can use "unethical practices" to describe behaviors that violate moral principles. For example: "The company faced severe backlash due to its "unethical practices"." or "The investigation uncovered a range of "unethical practices" within the organization."

What are some alternatives to "unethical practices"?

Alternatives include "unscrupulous behavior", "dishonest conduct", or "corrupt activities", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "unethical practices" from "illegal activities"?

"Unethical practices" refer to actions that violate moral standards, while "illegal activities" are actions that break the law. An action can be unethical but not illegal, and vice versa. Therefore, while both are negative, they address different types of wrongdoing.

How do I identify and address "unethical practices" in the workplace?

To identify "unethical practices", look for behaviors that exploit others, lack transparency, or violate established ethical codes. To address them, establish clear ethical guidelines, encourage open communication, and implement mechanisms for reporting and investigating such practices.