ethical

English[edit]

From ethic +‎ -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).

ethical (comparative more ethical, superlative most ethical)

(philosophy, not comparable) Of or relating to the study of ethics.
The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.
(not comparable) Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.
All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.
(comparable) Morally approvable; good.
We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.
(of a drug, not comparable) Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
In most jurisdictions, morphine is classified as an ethical drug.

of or relating to the study of ethics

of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession

morally approvable, when referring to an action that affects others; good

only dispensed on the prescription of a physician

ethical (plural ethicals)

ethical at OneLook Dictionary Search
ethical in Keywords for Today: A 21st Century Vocabulary, edited by The Keywords Project, Colin MacCabe, Holly Yanacek, 2018.
ethical in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
ethical in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.