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

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.

Read more on Literature

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

As one descends the underworld’s nine circles, they must be careful not to let ne’er-do-wells and scoundrels extinguish their flame.

Read more on Salon

Even when scoundrels are convicted, as Milton was, the prominent people who were in their orbit, if only peripherally, keep their reputations and wealth mostly intact.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• crook 
• rascal