Which term describes an action that is morally wrong but not necessarily illegal?

• A. Unethical
• B. Illegal
• C. Amoral
• D. Ethical

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the difference between morality and the law. An action described as morally wrong but not necessarily illegal is best labeled unethical because it violates accepted ethical standards, even when there’s no law banning it. Laws regulate conduct, but they don’t always align with everyday moral judgments, so something can be illegal yet not considered morally wrong by all people, or can be morally wrong without breaking any law. An amoral act shows a lack of moral consideration rather than a judgment that something is wrong. An ethical act, by contrast, aligns with moral standards, so it wouldn’t be described as morally wrong.