unscrupulous

[uhn-skroo-pyuh-luhs]

adjective

1. not scrupulous; unrestrained by scruples; conscienceless; unprincipled.

unscrupulous

/ ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs, ʌnˌskruːpjʊˈlɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. without scruples; unprincipled

Other Word Forms

• unscrupulously adverb
• unscrupulousness noun
• unscrupulosity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unscrupulous¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; un- ¹ + scrupulous

Synonym Study

Unscrupulous, unprincipled refer to lack of moral standards or conscience to guide one's conduct. An unscrupulous person is without scruples of conscience, and disregards, or has contempt for, laws of right or justice with which they are perfectly well acquainted, and which should restrain their actions: Methods of making money that are unscrupulous often involve taking advantage of the unfortunate. An unprincipled person is without moral principles or ethical standards in their conduct or actions: He's an unprincipled rogue; Her unprincipled conduct got her dismissed from the job.

Example Sentences

I could even see some unscrupulous actors attempting to find a way to influence AI models so investors who don’t know exactly how to assess an opportunity could be unknowingly presented with biased information.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And few players are as unscrupulous as Bennett, a badge he wears with honor.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Then there are concerns about a weight-loss drug black market, or unscrupulous dispensing.

Read more on BBC

Brock said the city’s largest hurdle is the pending claims from the Uller scandal, which he said has drawn “some unscrupulous lawyers.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These missives exploded the myths around a man who has for decades been derided as a cynical and unscrupulous opportunist that cheapened Presley’s legacy while enriching himself at his client’s expense.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corrupt 
• crafty 
• crooked 
• deceitful 
• dishonest 
• illegal 
• petty 
• ruthless 
• selfish 
• shady 
• shameless 
• underhanded 
• unethical 
• venal