What does amorally mean?
Amorally is the adverbial form of amoral and describes conduct or reasoning that proceeds without reference to moral principles, ethical duties, or questions of right and wrong. Its central use is analytical or philosophical: a decision can be made amorally if the decision-maker deliberately disregards ethical considerations, treating the issue as a matter of efficiency, power, or institutional procedure. The word is not a general synonym for every kind of unethical behavior. An action that breaches accepted moral standards is more precisely called immoral, while conduct that ignores moral considerations may be described as amorally. Amorally is therefore most useful when the emphasis is on the absence of an ethical frame rather than on the positive commission of wrongdoing. The term occurs in formal discussion of ethics, public policy, organizations, and moral philosophy, though it is less common in everyday speech than immorally or dishonestly. Understanding it helps distinguish morally unconsidered processes from those guided by accepted ethical standards.
adverbIn a manner that is not guided by moral or ethical principles; without moral consideration.
- Without reference to moral or ethical principles; in a manner that disregards moral considerations.
"The philosopher asks whether an algorithm can select a target amorally, considering only efficiency rather than the value of the lives affected."
"The philosopher asks whether an algorithm can select a target amorally, considering only efficiency rather than the value of the lives affected."
"By endorsing the scheme without weighing its human consequences, the board agreed to act amorally."
Drop the “im” and the moral judgment changes: amorally ignores ethics, while immorally violates them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does amorally come from?
The word is an adverb formed from amoral with the standard English suffix -ly. Amoral was created with the prefix a-, meaning “without” or “not connected with,” and the adjective moral, which comes through Latin moralis from mos, moris, meaning “custom” or “manner.” Related forms include moral, morale, immoral, and morality, all belonging to the same Latin-derived family.
How amorally is actually used
Relatively formal and abstract, especially in discussions of ethics, institutions, and public policy. It is less common in everyday speech than immorally or dishonestly.
Easily confused with amorally
Amorally means without reference to morality, whereas immorally means in violation of moral standards.
Amorally means without moral consideration, while morally means in accordance with moral principles.