scandalous

[ skan-dl-uhs ]

adjective

1. disgraceful; shameful or shocking; improper:

   scandalous behavior in public.

2. defamatory or libelous, as a speech or writing.
3. attracted to or preoccupied with scandal, as a person:

   a scandalous, vicious gossip.

Other Words From

• scandal·ous·ly adverb
• scandal·ous·ness noun
• non·scandal·ous adjective
• non·scandal·ous·ly adverb
• super·scandal·ous adjective
• super·scandal·ous·ly adverb
• un·scandal·ous adjective
• un·scandal·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandalous¹

From the Medieval Latin word scandalōsus, dating back to 1585–95. See scandal, -ous

Example Sentences

Emerald Fennell's seductive and scandalous thriller Saltburn perfectly encapsulated the mid-noughties and reminded us of a time where it was legal to smoke indoors.

From BBC

“It’s nothing scandalous, but we’re having a ball with this. The media, their heads are exploding. ‘What is the secret?’”

From Salon

The founder of a group set up to support caravan owners said it was "scandalous" that "people's lives are being ruined".

From BBC

“The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc” would go on to become a national bestseller.

From Los Angeles Times

If you’re looking for an audio guide with all the scandalous details, theories and ghost stories about the case, check out the BBC’s eight-episode “Oil in Blood” series from the “Assume Nothing” podcast.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defamatory
• disgraceful
• heinous
• outrageous
• scurrilous
• shameful
• shocking
• slanderous
• unseemly
• untrue