Is ethical a formal word?

Yes. It is common in school, business, law, and news writing.

What is the difference between ethical and moral?

Ethical often refers to rules or standards of behaviour. Moral can be broader and more personal.

Can I use ethical in IELTS Writing?

Yes. It works well in academic answers about society, business, and technology.

How do I use ethical in a sentence?

Use it before a noun: “ethical behaviour,” or after linking verbs: “This is ethical.”

← Dictionary

ethical

/ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Following accepted ideas of right and wrong. An ethical choice is honest, fair, and responsible.

We must make an ethical decision.
Her ethical standards are very high.
The company faced an ethical problem.

Adinary Nuance

Ethical is stronger and more formal than good or nice. It often means a choice is right according to moral rules, not just personal opinion. In business or academic writing, it sounds more serious than moral in some contexts, which can focus more on personal beliefs and values.

In other languages

Vietnamese: đạo đức
Spanish: ético
Chinese: 道德的
Japanese: 倫理的な
Korean: 윤리적인

Etymology

Ethical comes from Greek ethikos, from ethos, meaning “character” or “custom.” It entered English through Latin and French in the 16th century.

Common phrases

ethical standardsethical dilemmaethical issueethical behaviour

Synonyms

moral upright principled honourable

Frequently asked questions

Is ethical a formal word?: Yes. It is common in school, business, law, and news writing.
What is the difference between ethical and moral?: Ethical often refers to rules or standards of behaviour. Moral can be broader and more personal.
Can I use ethical in IELTS Writing?: Yes. It works well in academic answers about society, business, and technology.
How do I use ethical in a sentence?: Use it before a noun: “ethical behaviour,” or after linking verbs: “This is ethical.”