ill-acquired
Adjective: Referring to something that has been obtained or gained through dishonest, unjust, or immoral means. The prefix "ill-" means "badly" or "unfortunately," and "acquired" means "obtained" — so "ill-acquired" literally means "badly obtained."
- (The wealth was obtained through dishonest or oppressive methods.)
- (The gains were obtained through illegal or unethical actions.)
- (The property was gained through immoral means.)
"ill-acquired reputation": a reputation gained through unscrupulous or dishonest actions.
- The politician's ill-acquired reputation for honesty was shattered by the scandal. (The reputation was falsely earned through deception.)
"ill-acquired knowledge": knowledge obtained through unfair or secretive means, such as espionage.
- The spy's ill-acquired knowledge of military plans gave the enemy an advantage. (The knowledge was obtained through illicit spying.)
Ill-gotten (adj): a more common synonym meaning "obtained dishonestly."
- They spent their ill-gotten money on lavish parties. (The money was gained through crime.)
Ill-begotten (adj): another variant meaning "obtained by evil means."
- The ill-begotten treasure brought a curse upon the thieves. (The treasure was stolen or gained through wickedness.)
- Dishonestly gained: obtained through deceit or fraud.
- Unjustly obtained: acquired through unfair or wrongful means.
- Stolen: taken without right or permission.
- Honestly acquired: obtained through fair and legal methods.
- Rightfully earned: gained through legitimate work or means.
Ill-gotten gains: a common phrase meaning money or goods obtained through dishonest means.
- The criminal spent his ill-gotten gains on a mansion. (His wealth came from crime.)
Fruits of ill-gotten labor: a less common idiom referring to the results of dishonest work.
- The company's success was built on the fruits of ill-gotten labor. (The success was based on unethical practices.)