ill-gotten
Obtained through crime
Ill-gotten describes something acquired through dishonest, illegal, or immoral means: ill-gotten gains, ill-gotten wealth.
The phrase suggests that the manner of acquisition taints what was obtained.
Almost always appears before gains or riches, rarely standing alone.
Contaminated, made impure
- dirtyNot clean
- stainedMarred by discoloration
- tarnishedOxidized and discolored
- sulliedMade morally unclean
besmirched · dishonored · disgraced · blood money · stolen · illicit · illegitimate · unlawful
Fraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- extortionObtaining through threats
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
- money launderingDisguising criminal proceeds' origins
smuggling · counterfeiting · forgery · looting · robbery · theft · larceny · piracy
Violating moral standards
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- unscrupulousLacking moral principles
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- nefariousExtremely evil or villainous
underhanded · unprincipled · exploitative · unjust · wrongdoing · sinful · wicked · profiteering
Corrupt payment for influence
- graftIllicit political gain
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
- cronyismFavoring friends in appointments
- payolaBribes for airplay
backhander · under-the-table · shakedown · skimming · venality · slush fund · patronage · palm-greasing
tainted
Contaminated, made impure
sullied · besmirched · dishonored · disgraced · blood money · stolen · illicit · illegitimate · unlawful · wrongful
embezzlement
Fraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- extortionObtaining through threats
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
money laundering · smuggling · counterfeiting · forgery · looting · robbery · theft · larceny · piracy · scam
unethical
Violating moral standards
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- unscrupulousLacking moral principles
- dishonestInclined to deceive
nefarious · underhanded · unprincipled · exploitative · unjust · wrongdoing · sinful · wicked · profiteering · predatory
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
payola · backhander · under-the-table · shakedown · skimming · venality · slush fund · patronage · palm-greasing · dirty money
ill-gottenlegitimate
Conforming to accepted standards
legal · lawful · rightful · licit · above-board
ill-gottenwell-earned
Deserved through effort
hard-earned · merited · righteous · deserved · honest
ill, forgotten, getting, gotten, begetter, unforgotten, ill-gotten gains, misbegotten, begotten