scruples

[ skroo-puhlz ]

noun

1. the plural of scruple; moral or ethical considerations or standards that act as a restraining force or inhibit certain actions:

   He has no scruples about sacrificing a friend to save his own hide.

   The shop was without scruples about using the competition's advertisements against them.

   Her scruples about drinking assuaged, she decided to order some wine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruples¹

First recorded in 1520–30; scruple ( def ) + -s ³( def )

Example Sentences

The convicted sex offender who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 had a low opinion of his former associate, feeling that he had "no scruples" and could not be trusted.

From Salon

But with Kamala Harris and a smattering of small-party candidates the only other options this November, Wade is putting his scruples to one side.

From BBC

Some may have otherwise been stolen by Western visitors with less scruples to be sold on the lucrative European and American artefacts market.

From BBC

“It’s scary. We shouldn’t downplay this. These people have no moral scruples. They regard you as their enemies,” she warns, referring to Russian intelligence agents.

From BBC

At the start of the play, he’s a war hero with conspicuous scruples.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ethic
• integrity
• morality