WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
eth•i•cal /ˈɛθɪkəl/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Philosophyrelating to or dealing with morality;
relating to ethics:an ethical question.
eth•i•cal
(eth′i kəl),USA pronunciation adj.
eth′i•cal•ly, adv.
eth′i•cal•ness, eth′i•cal′i•ty, n.
- Philosophypertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality;
pertaining to right and wrong in conduct. - being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, esp. the standards of a profession:It was not considered ethical for physicians to advertise.
- Drugs(of drugs) sold only upon medical prescription.
- ethic + -al1 1600–10
eth′i•cal•ness, eth′i•cal′i•ty, n.
- 2. . moral, upright, honest, righteous, virtuous, honorable.
- 2. . immoral.
'ethically' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):