unscrupulous

[ uhn-skroo-pyuh-luhs ]

adjective

1. not scrupulous; unrestrained by scruples; conscienceless; unprincipled.

unscrupulous

/ ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs; ʌnˌskruːpjʊˈlɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. without scruples; unprincipled

Derived Forms

• unˈscrupulously, adverb
• unˈscrupulousness, noun

Other Words From

• un·scrupu·lous·ly adverb
• un·scrupu·lous·ness un·scru·pu·los·i·ty [uhn-skroo-py, uh, -, los, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unscrupulous¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; un- ¹ + scrupulous

Synonym Study

Unscrupulous, unprincipled refer to lack of moral standards or conscience to guide one's conduct. An unscrupulous person is without scruples of conscience, and disregards, or has contempt for, laws of right or justice with which they are perfectly well acquainted, and which should restrain their actions: Methods of making money that are unscrupulous often involve taking advantage of the unfortunate. An unprincipled person is without moral principles or ethical standards in their conduct or actions: He's an unprincipled rogue; Her unprincipled conduct got her dismissed from the job.

Example Sentences

Periodic permissions checks protect you against potentially unscrupulous app developers and give you more control over your privacy.

From Popular-Science

Some experts, echoing concerns expressed in the 1980s, worry that physician dispensing could open the door for unscrupulous practices—and warp the decision-making of even well-meaning physicians.

From Popular-Science

He also said agents should avoid detaining immigrants who land on their radar because they spoke out against “unscrupulous” landlords or employers, or at public demonstrations.

From Washington Post

In her 2018 book, “Manufactured Insecurity,” Sullivan investigates the vulnerabilities and emotional stress that mobile home residents face in parks operated by unscrupulous or greedy managers.

From Washington Post

The section of the law at issue was amended in 1973 to allow the FTC to seek a court-ordered “permanent injunction” against unscrupulous practices.

From Washington Post

Or a modernized Tarzan might lead African miners on strike against unscrupulous multinationals.

From The Daily Beast

It was all part of the unscrupulous technique of “monstering” critics of the Murdoch empire wherever they were.

From The Daily Beast

Barely Legal Pawn stars the duo as unscrupulous, possibly deranged pawnshop employees.

From The Daily Beast

Religions and ideologies are unscrupulous in their use of the past.

From The Daily Beast

Safe within his mountaintop fortress, Escobar grew bolder and more unscrupulous.

From The Daily Beast

He thought so, at least, as he laughed and agreed with her, saying Tony was an unscrupulous rascal at the best of times.

From Project Gutenberg

In London some years before, she had been the pupil of a learned minister, who had become an infidel, and also unscrupulous.

From Project Gutenberg

He usually wore his pale-grey felt hat at a slight angle, and had the air of the easy-going adventurer, debonair and unscrupulous.

From Project Gutenberg

He may be a friend of yours—he may be a dear friend—but in your heart you know that he is both unscrupulous and selfish.

From Project Gutenberg

Gibbon fancies he was at one time an unscrupulous bacon dealer, and that he finally did considerable business in religious gammon.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• corrupt
• crafty
• crooked
• deceitful
• dishonest
• illegal
• petty
• ruthless
• selfish
• shady
• shameless
• underhanded
• unethical
• venal