A clear ethics definition has two parts: ethics are the principles of right and wrong that guide a person or group, and ethics is also the field of philosophy that studies those principles. Your personal ethics shape whether you return extra change at a shop; medical ethics guide what a doctor may do with a patient's data.
The adjective is ethical. Calling an action ethical means it fits accepted moral standards; calling a company ethical means it tries to act fairly toward workers, customers and the wider world.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Moral principles that guide conduct; the study of right and wrongPart of speech
Noun (plural in form, used with singular or plural verbs)Pronunciation
ETH-iksWord forms
Ethic (a single principle), ethical, unethical, ethically, ethicistOrigin
Greek ethikos, from ethos (character, custom), through Latin and Old FrenchClose words
Morals, morality, principles, values, integrityRegister
Neutral to formal
Ethics meaning, explained simply
- A person's or group's moral code. The standards someone uses to decide what is right: "Her ethics would not let her lie on the form."
- Rules for a profession. Written codes for doctors, lawyers, journalists, accountants and engineers: legal ethics, business ethics, research ethics.
- A branch of philosophy. The study of what makes actions good or bad, what we owe each other, and how to live well.
A related singular form, ethic, names one guiding value, as in a strong work ethic.
Ethical meaning and definition
Ethical describes behavior, choices or organizations that follow moral principles. An ethical decision is one you could defend as fair and honest. The opposite is unethical, and an ethicist is a specialist who studies or advises on these questions.
Ethical can also mean simply "relating to ethics", as in an ethical question, which is a question about right and wrong whether or not anyone has acted well yet.
Ethics definition in example sentences
- The hospital's ethics committee met to review the new treatment trial.
- He left the firm because its sales tactics clashed with his ethics.
- Is it ethical to read a partner's messages without asking?
- Our philosophy course spends two weeks on the ethics of eating meat.
- The reporter followed journalism ethics and kept her source anonymous.
Main approaches in moral philosophy
| Approach | Core question | Simple illustration |
|---|---|---|
| Consequentialism | Which action brings the best results? | Choose the plan that helps the most people |
| Deontology | Which duties and rules must I follow? | Never break a promise, even at a cost |
| Virtue ethics | What would a good person do? | Act with honesty, courage and compassion |
| Care ethics | What do my relationships ask of me? | Weigh how a choice affects people who rely on you |
Philosophers also split the field into metaethics (what moral words mean), normative ethics (what we ought to do) and applied ethics (real issues such as medicine, business and the environment). Find more on the philosophy page.
Ethics versus morals
People often use the two words as near twins, and in casual speech that is fine. When a difference is drawn, it usually runs like this: morals are a person's own beliefs about right and wrong, often shaped by upbringing, culture or religion, while ethics are more formal, shared or reasoned standards, such as a professional code. A doctor might have private morals about a treatment but still follow medical ethics in caring for a patient.
Not every writer draws the line the same way, so check how a source is using the terms. The Greek root ethos, meaning character, is linked to both.
Grammar: is ethics singular or plural?
Both, depending on meaning. When ethics names a field of study, treat it as singular: "Ethics is a required course." When it means a set of principles, treat it as plural: "His ethics are questionable." This is the same pattern as politics and economics.
Spell it with -ics. Ethic without the s is a separate noun for one value. Common pairings include code of ethics, breach of ethics, professional ethics and ethical standards. Browse other useful words in everyday vocabulary.
Origin of ethics
Its roots lie in the Greek ethikos, meaning relating to character, from ethos, custom or character. It passed into Latin as ethica and into Old French before reaching English in the Middle Ages, where it first named the study of morals. The plural form ethics became standard later, following the pattern of other subject names.
Frequently asked questions
Can you give a plain definition of ethics?
Ethics are the rules of right and wrong that guide how we behave. The word also names the subject that studies those rules.
What does ethical mean?
To define ethical briefly: in line with moral principles, such as being honest and fair. It can also simply mean relating to right and wrong, as in an ethical debate.
How do you define ethics at work?
Workplace ethics are the standards for honest, fair and responsible conduct on the job, such as not misusing company money, treating colleagues with respect and being truthful with customers.
How do you pronounce ethics?
ETH-iks, two syllables, loud on ETH. Make the breathy th you hear in thin.
How do ethics and law differ?
Laws are rules a government enforces with penalties. Ethics are moral standards. Something can be legal but unethical, such as breaking a promise, or ethical but against a particular law.
What is a code of ethics?
A code of ethics is a written list of principles a profession or organization expects its members to follow. Medical, legal and engineering bodies all publish one.