Meaning & use
scoundrel
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Meaning
nouncountabledisapproving
A person, usually a man, who acts dishonestly or without morals, especially by cheating or tricking others.
Grammar: Has a plural: a scoundrel, two scoundrels.
Patterns
- a scoundrel and a liar
The scoundrel sold the same car to three different buyers.
In the old play, the scoundrel steals the family's fortune and flees the country.
She was charmed by him until she realised he was a scoundrel.
Word forms
| plural | scoundrels |
|---|
Common combinations
- a charming scoundrel
- He was a charming scoundrel who borrowed money from everyone.
- a lovable scoundrel
- The novel's hero is a lovable scoundrel.
- a downright scoundrel
- Anyone who lies to his own family is a downright scoundrel.
- call someone a scoundrel
- The old man called the landlord a scoundrel.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rogue
- Often gentler and can be playful; a rogue may be mischievous rather than truly wicked.
- villain
- Stronger and suggests serious evil, often in a story.
- crook
- Informal and points specifically to criminal dishonesty.
- rascal
- Milder still, often used affectionately for a naughty child or person.
Opposites
Word family
- scoundrelly adjective
- typical of a scoundrel; dishonest and wicked (rare)
Practice
The ___ promised to repair the roof, took the payment, and was never seen again.
Choose one answer.
A scoundrel is a dishonest person who cheats others, which fits taking money and disappearing. Hero and guardian are positive, and neighbor says nothing about dishonesty.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “scoundrel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.