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

However, a power of attorney can also allow an unscrupulous person to take advantage of you by moving money into his own account, paying his own bills, making cash withdrawals, or selling your real estate. — Christine Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The fire killed 168 people, most likely because of unscrupulous contractors who used shoddy materials. — New York Times, 20 July 2026

An unscrupulous politician whose opponent happens to be Virgil’s girlfriend, Marie? — Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026

Surfshark is here to upgrade that experience while protecting your online activity from unscrupulous beings and saving you money, too. — Stephanie Barnes, PC Magazine, 7 July 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