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

Meanwhile, Frank Dillane plays Willoughby, Marianne’s love interest, with such commitment that the actor was surprised to learn his character is universally acknowledged to be a scoundrel. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

But as with any good Leonard story, the best moments come from the characters, a rogues’ gallery of violent ruffians and neurotic, duplicitous scoundrels. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Hawks is the grounding force of Zero Company, the down-to-Earth scoundrel that keeps everyone humble. — Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

That range runs from scoundrels to astromechs, and a Jedi is on the table too. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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