scandalous

[ skan-dl-uhs ]
See synonyms for scandalous on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. disgraceful; shameful or shocking; improper: scandalous behavior in public.

  2. defamatory or libelous, as a speech or writing.

  1. attracted to or preoccupied with scandal, as a person: a scandalous, vicious gossip.

Origin of scandalous

1
From the Medieval Latin word scandalōsus, dating back to 1585–95. See scandal, -ous

Other words from scandalous

  • 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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use scandalous in a sentence

  • When Bobby was in good spirits the marching music got into his legs and set him to dancing scandalously.

    Greyfriars Bobby | Eleanor Atkinson
  • I freely give up my life as a just forfeit to my country, whose laws I have scandalously outraged.

  • For a boy who was ordinarily so sober as Henry, such conduct was scandalously riotous.

    The Secret Wireless | Lewis E. Theiss
  • And he saw socks that were as scandalously brilliant as spun turquoises or knitted opals.

    What Will People Say? | Rupert Hughes
  • If we don't make it up within six months and if you don't behave scandalously the Decree is made absolute.

    Tono Bungay | H. G. Wells