unscrupulous

adjective

un·​scru·​pu·​lous ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs 

: not scrupulous : unprincipled

… replicas that unscrupulous shopkeepers may sometimes try to palm off as the real thing.

—Geri Trotta

unscrupulously adverb

unscrupulousness noun

Synonyms of unscrupulous

• immoral
• ruthless
• corrupt
• unprincipled
• unethical

Examples of unscrupulous in a Sentence

an unscrupulous businessman manipulated them into selling their land for practically nothing

Recent Examples on the Web

But along with the surge of people hitting the roads and skies, so are unscrupulous scammers preying on them. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

And some unscrupulous companies are banking on your burnout. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 June 2026

The main shell is then salvaged, with the most valuable parts sold by unscrupulous vendors to repair shops and consumers, often via the Internet. — Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Some unscrupulous mortgage loan originator might want to push the borrower toward FHA financing. — Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unscrupulous

• scrupulous

Kids Definition

unscrupulous

adjective

un·​scru·​pu·​lous ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs 

ˈən-

: not scrupulous : unprincipled

unscrupulously adverb

unscrupulousness noun