scoundrel

noun

scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl 

: a disreputable person : rascal

scoundrel adjective

scoundrelly

ˈskau̇n-drə-lē 

adjective

Synonyms of scoundrel

• villain
• brute

Examples of scoundrel in a Sentence

some scoundrel stole my wallet

Recent Examples on the Web

And the surviving cartel scoundrels take the parting shot by kidnapping beloved Carter, putting a hood on him and taking the boy off. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026

But that just reinforces Samuel Johnson’s adage that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Speaking of that last vampire subject, this is also a great episode for Jacob Anderson in the B-plot, as Louis plays the reluctant avenger doing that loveable scoundrel Raglan James’s dirty work in two stand-out action sequences. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026

New Orleans has long been notorious for embracing such scoundrels, a reputation that isn’t exactly helped by the fact that, for many years, disgraced attorneys who lost their licenses in Louisiana and applied for readmission to the bar often got it. — Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scoundrel

noun

scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl 

: a mean or wicked person : villain

scoundrelly

-drə-lē 

adjective