ethical
adj. · n.-
1 morally right (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatefollowing moral rules and doing what is right.
conforming to accepted standards of social or professional conduct; morally correct.
ExampleThe company is famous for its ethical treatment of workers and the environment.
ExampleInvestors are increasingly moving their capital toward ethical funds that prioritize environmental sustainability and fair labor practices over short-term profits.
-
2 related to the study of ethics (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Sciencerelating to the branch of philosophy that studies what is right and wrong.
pertaining to the philosophical study of moral values and rules.
ExampleThe students had a long debate about several ethical problems in modern science.
ExampleThe committee was formed to address the complex ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 prescription-only (adj.) C2 Proficiency Technical Medicinedescribing a medicine that you can only get with a doctor's note.
referring to drugs that are legally dispensed only via a physician's prescription.
ExampleThe pharmacist explained that this is an ethical drug and requires a prescription.
ExampleThe pharmaceutical company focuses primarily on the development of ethical medications rather than over-the-counter wellness products.
- over the counter
-
4 a prescription drug (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Medicinea medicine that requires a prescription from a doctor.
a drug that is restricted to sale by prescription only.
ExampleThe hospital pharmacy stocks a wide range of medical ethicals.
ExampleThe regulatory body oversees the marketing of ethicals to ensure that claims made to healthcare providers are supported by clinical data.
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”).
- Adjectiveethical
- Adverbethically