scoundrel

[skoun-druhl]

noun

1. an unprincipled, dishonorable person; villain.

   Synonyms: miscreant, rapscallion, scamp

adjective

1. mean or base in nature; villainous; unprincipled; dishonorable.

scoundrel

/ ˈskaʊndrəl /

noun

1. a worthless or villainous person

Other Word Forms

• scoundrelly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoundrel¹

First recorded in 1580–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoundrel¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See knave.

Example Sentences

Where was that murderous scoundrel, with his mad plan to save one side of the family tree by doing away with the other?

Read more on Literature

We were not at all amused to hear that scoundrels were attempting to make a profit off the pauper’s food line tickets.

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In other moments, far rarer ones, “Christy” is briefly moving, a tale of how easily naive self-determination can be manipulated by misogynist scoundrels lurking in the corner of a shadowy boxing gym.

Read more on Salon

You scoundrel, he thought, smiling at his rival.

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The world of “Star Wars” is full of scoundrels that fans can’t help but love for their swagger and independent moral code, and “Visions” installments “The Smuggler” and “The Bounty Hunters” add to that legacy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crook 
• rascal