32 words the Digital SAT draws on when a passage turns to morality and ethics — each with its part of speech, a plain-English definition, and an example sentence showing how it behaves in context.
Vocabulary on the Digital SAT is tested in context, not in isolation: a Words in Context question hands you a sentence with a blank and four plausible-looking candidates, and the winner is the one whose shade of meaning fits. Studying words in a meaning-group like this one is the fastest way to build that discrimination — you learn morality and ethics as a spectrum rather than as 32 unrelated definitions.
Read the definition, then the example sentence. Say the word aloud. Come back to this theme a few days later and cover the definitions — recalling a word cold is what fixes it, and rereading it is not.
The 32 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Morality & Ethics guide.
001
conscientiousadjective
wishing to do what is right
The conscientious worker always did extra.
002
corruptadjective
willing to act dishonestly for personal gain
The corrupt official accepted bribes.
003
depravedadjective
morally corrupt; wicked
The depraved criminal showed no remorse.
004
dishonestynoun
a disposition to lie, cheat, or deceive
Dishonesty destroyed his reputation.
005
dishonorableadjective
bringing shame or disgrace
His dishonorable conduct led to dismissal.
006
disreputableadjective
lacking respectability
He frequented disreputable establishments.
007
ethicaladjective
relating to moral principles
The ethical dilemma troubled her conscience.
008
exploitverb/noun
to use selfishly for profit; a bold or daring achievement
Some companies exploit workers by paying unfairly low wages.
009
exploitedverb
used selfishly or unfairly for profit; taken advantage of
The vulnerable population was exploited by unscrupulous landlords.
010
exploitingverb
using selfishly or unfairly for profit; taking advantage of
The documentary exposed companies exploiting natural resources irresponsibly.
011
honorableadjective
bringing credit or distinction
He chose the honorable course of action.
012
ignobleadjective
not honorable; base
His ignoble motives were eventually revealed.
013
immoraladjective
not conforming to accepted standards of morality
Many considered the practice immoral.
014
impartialadjective
treating all rivals or disputants equally; unbiased and fair
The judge remained impartial throughout the controversial trial.
015
innocuousadjective
not harmful or offensive; harmless
What seemed like an innocuous comment sparked a heated debate.
016
integritynoun
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
Her integrity was never questioned.
017
justifyverb
to show or prove to be right or reasonable; to provide adequate grounds for
The results justify the investment we made in the project.
018
nobleadjective
having high moral qualities
His noble sacrifice inspired others.
019
obligatedadjective
bound legally or morally to do something
As a witness, she felt obligated to tell the truth in court.
020
perniciousadjective
having a harmful effect
The pernicious influence corrupted youth.
021
predatoryadjective
relating to predators; exploiting others for personal gain
The company was criticized for its predatory lending practices.
022
principledadjective
acting according to moral principles
The principled leader refused to compromise.
023
reputableadjective
having a good reputation
Choose a reputable contractor.
024
responsibleadjective
having an obligation to do something; being the primary cause of something
Parents are responsible for the well-being of their children.
025
righteousadjective
morally right or justifiable
His righteous anger was understandable.
026
unbiasedadjective
showing no prejudice; impartial and fair
The judge was expected to remain unbiased throughout the trial.
027
unethicaladjective
not morally correct
Unethical practices were exposed.
028
unprincipledadjective
not acting in accordance with moral principles
The unprincipled attorney would do anything to win.
Test Ninjas puts these words back where you will meet them — full-length adaptive practice tests, a complete Reading & Writing course, and an explanation on every question. Free account, no card.
