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

A few songs that dwell on similar lyrical themes could have been culled; and it would have been thrilling to hear the star's Machiavellian side explored amidst the radio-friendly pop.

From BBC

She was also keenly aware that her Machiavellian husband was suddenly a foreign-policy expert without portfolio and, as such, was likely to get his idle self in trouble.

From The Wall Street Journal

Except from behind the windshield, where he views the world as teeming with schemers and brutes, acting on all manner of Machiavellian impulses.

From Los Angeles Times

Lurie’s opponents underestimated his appeal, calling out his lack of political experience as a disqualifying factor when it came to leading an iconic American city known for its tangled bureaucracy and Machiavellian politics.

From Los Angeles Times

“Football coaches tend to be Machiavellian in character, but Robinson was more like a country doctor healing the sick in exchange for fresh eggs.”

From Los Angeles Times