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Meaning & use

unscrupulous

adjective·Advanceddisapproving

Last updated

UK/ʌnˈskruːpjələs/
US/ʌnˈskruːpjələs/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Ready to cheat, lie or do wrong to get what you want, with no concern for honesty or fairness.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: an unscrupulous dealer, he was unscrupulous.

    Patterns

    • unscrupulous about something
    • an unscrupulous person

    An unscrupulous builder took the deposit and never returned.

    The company used unscrupulous methods to push out smaller rivals.

    He was so unscrupulous that he sold the same car to two buyers.

Word forms

comparativemore unscrupulous
superlativemost unscrupulous

Common combinations

unscrupulous landlord
An unscrupulous landlord raised the rent without notice.
unscrupulous dealer
Beware of unscrupulous dealers selling fake antiques.
unscrupulous methods
They won the contract by unscrupulous methods.
unscrupulous businessman
The film follows an unscrupulous businessman who exploits workers.
unscrupulous tactics
The agency used unscrupulous tactics to sell its product.

Synonyms and how they differ

dishonest
Dishonest is a general word for not telling the truth, while unscrupulous implies you will do anything to win.
unprincipled
Unprincipled means lacking moral rules and is a close match, though it sounds a little more formal.
ruthless
Ruthless stresses a lack of pity in pursuing a goal, whereas unscrupulous stresses a lack of honesty.
corrupt
Corrupt usually describes someone in power who takes bribes, while unscrupulous can describe anyone who cheats.

Opposites

honestprincipledscrupulous

Word family

scruple noun
a feeling that something is wrong, which stops you from doing it
scrupulous adjective
very careful, honest and exact
unscrupulously adverb
in a dishonest, unprincipled way
unscrupulousness noun
the quality of having no moral limits

Commonly confused: unscrupulous or scrupulous?

unscrupulous vs scrupulous

Scrupulous is the opposite of unscrupulous: it describes someone careful and honest.

Practice

Which person is unscrupulous?

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