scoundrel

[ skoun-druhl ]

noun

1. an unprincipled, dishonorable person; villain.

   Synonyms: miscreant, rapscallion, scamp

adjective

1. mean or base in nature; villainous; unprincipled; dishonorable.

scoundrel

/ ˈskaʊndrəl /

noun

1. a worthless or villainous person

Derived Forms

• ˈscoundrelly, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoundrel¹

First recorded in 1580–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoundrel¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See knave.

Example Sentences

Trump regularly railed against the special counsel in interviews and online, calling him a "crooked person", a "scoundrel" and other insults.

From BBC

Yes, I know that's exactly what his cult followers like most about him: In their fantasy universe, this rich scoundrel is the political outsider they need to blow up the system that has let them down.

From Salon

In his interview with Hewitt, Trump called Smith “a crooked person” and a “scoundrel.”

From Slate

Indeed, Hunter has been the singular scoundrel at the heart of the GOP pitch to American voters for two straight election cycles, longer by years than the time Republicans have insisted the DOJ is corrupt.

From Slate

"The 'someone planted the evidence' defense," he wrote, "is the last refuge of a scoundrel."

From Salon

Related Words

• crook
• rascal