Machiavellian

American  

[mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uhn] / ˌmæk i əˈvɛl i ən /

Sometimes Machiavelian

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting Machiavelli.

2. being or acting in accordance with the principles of government analyzed in Machiavelli's The Prince, in which political expediency is placed above morality and the use of craft and deceit to maintain the authority and carry out the policies of a ruler is described.

3. characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty.

   He resorted to Machiavellian tactics in order to get ahead.

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noun

1. a follower of the principles analyzed or described in The Prince, especially with reference to techniques of political manipulation.

Machiavellian British  

/ ˌmækɪəˈvɛlɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the alleged political principles of Machiavelli; cunning, amoral, and opportunist

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noun

1. a cunning, amoral, and opportunist person, esp a politician

Other Word Forms

• Machiavelianism noun
• Machiavelianly adverb
• Machiavellianism noun
• Machiavellianly adverb
• Machiavellist adjective

Etymology

Origin of Machiavellian

First recorded in 1560–70; Machiavelli + -an

Example Sentences

Newman became one of reality television’s more memorable villains thanks to her run on “The Apprentice,” where her Machiavellian ways and unapologetic ambition revolted viewers and impressed her fake boss.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

He has only given you that $1,000 as an opening gambit, and now he wants something from you, but he is too Machiavellian to ask for it outright.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

“Some spouses use power in a Machiavellian way,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

But when he breaks down his thought process, there is less Machiavellian evil and more faulty perceptions and problems with impulse control.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

With that in mind I don’t think I’ll put down the Machiavellian Intelligence Officer’s name.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein