Machiavellianism

noun

Ma·​chi·​a·​vel·​lian·​ism ˌma-kē-ə-ˈve-lē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

-ˈvel-yə-ˌni-zəm

: the political theory of Machiavelli

especially : the view that politics is amoral and that any means however unscrupulous can justifiably be used in achieving political power

Examples of Machiavellianism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Strategic Manipulator Machiavellianism reveals a different pattern. — Paula Ferrada, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026

According to psychologists, this aligns with Machiavellianism, a key component of the Dark Triad (alongside narcissism and psychopathy), and is closely linked to manipulation and emotional detachment. — Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Traits like humility, creativity, and kindness are amplified by psychedelics, as are the dark triad traits, such as Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. — Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026

In the ancestral environment, the ability to seize resources quickly (impulsivity), charm or deceive competitors (Machiavellianism), and assert dominance (narcissism) could offer significant, short-term reproductive and survival advantages. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Feb. 2026

Critics such as economist Jeffrey Sachs have warned that the NSS is grounded in grandiosity and Machiavellianism, substituting coercion for cooperation and dominance for legitimacy. — Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026

This is particularly dangerous because charismatic signaling overlaps with traits associated with narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness). — Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above