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 Word Forms

• scandalously adverb
• scandalousness noun
• nonscandalous adjective
• nonscandalously adverb
• superscandalous adjective
• superscandalously adverb
• unscandalous adjective
• unscandalously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandalous¹

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

Example Sentences

Students of history will recall that, about nine months ago, taking money from a foreign energy firm was once deemed scandalous by America’s ruling party.

From Salon

Defend Our Juries said among those detained were a former government lawyer and a law student, which the group described as "scandalous".

From BBC

In a previous generation, this development would be almost scandalous: With one month left in the regular season, the NL has one .300 hitter.

From Los Angeles Times

It seemed scandalous, though, that Brook only faced 14 balls, potentially depriving the Headingley crowd of both entertainment and more runs towards the Superchargers total.

From BBC

Screenshots of drive-thru menus and delivery app listings circulated like scandalous celebrity gossip.

From Salon

Related Words

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