unscrupulous

[ uhn-skroo-pyuh-luhs ]

adjective

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

unscrupulous

/ ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs; ʌnˌskruːpjʊˈlɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. without scruples; unprincipled

Derived Forms

• unˈscrupulously, adverb
• unˈscrupulousness, noun

Other Words From

• un·scrupu·lous·ly adverb
• un·scrupu·lous·ness un·scru·pu·los·i·ty [uhn-skroo-py, uh, -, los, -i-tee], 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

"Many of these crimes are planned in Germany. Together, we are now countering this unscrupulous business with even more resolve."

From BBC

But campaigners in the field argue that there is another issue at play: that is, unscrupulous freeholders and managing agents exploiting the system.

From BBC

The UN says only around 15% of the world’s e-waste is recycled, so unscrupulous companies are seeking to offload it elsewhere, often through middle men who then traffick the waste out of the country.

From BBC

However, unscrupulous backyard brewers or others in the supply chain may sometimes add industrially produced methanol, to make it go further and increase profits.

From BBC

"Our main concern now is the fate of existing leaseholders who are currently suffering at the mercy of unregulated managing agents and unscrupulous freeholders," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

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