unscrupulous
adjective
un·scru·pu·lous
ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs 
: not scrupulous : unprincipled
unscrupulously
adverb
unscrupulousness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of unscrupulous in a Sentence
an unscrupulous businessman manipulated them into selling their land for practically nothing
Recent Examples on the Web
The lucrative mining industry is unscrupulous, environmentally disastrous, and a linchpin of Congo’s economy.
—
The New York Review of Books, 16 Nov. 2023
Dolph Lundgren plays the former action star who shows up for a personal appearance, then stays to help save the joint from those agents of unscrupulous developers.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Nov. 2023
It’s based on the true story of Osage Nation people who become wealthy after discovering oil — and the unscrupulous White people who then try to take it from them.
—Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2023
O’Donnell also said the IRS planned to support Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs opening in more low-income neighborhoods, so that taxpayers can choose to have their taxes prepared free by volunteers instead of going to unscrupulous preparers.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2023
Even when responding with burning indignation to De Schinkel’s most unscrupulous tactics, Mikkelsen’s performance remains measured, with Ludvig’s emotions largely internalized to great effect.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2023
In his job, Ron bravely fought for players’ rights and helped unseat the unscrupulous Alan Eagleson as head of the NHL Players’ Assn.
—Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
And that, analysts say, has been an invitation for unscrupulous sellers to fudge — and for some shippers to adopt a see-no-evil approach.
—TIME, 23 Oct. 2023
His mother died in 1946 after swallowing bicarbonate that had been tainted with poison, one of eight victims of an unscrupulous pharmacist.
—Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2023
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The New York Review of Books, 16 Nov. 2023
Dolph Lundgren plays the former action star who shows up for a personal appearance, then stays to help save the joint from those agents of unscrupulous developers.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Nov. 2023
It’s based on the true story of Osage Nation people who become wealthy after discovering oil — and the unscrupulous White people who then try to take it from them.
—Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2023
O’Donnell also said the IRS planned to support Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs opening in more low-income neighborhoods, so that taxpayers can choose to have their taxes prepared free by volunteers instead of going to unscrupulous preparers.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2023
Even when responding with burning indignation to De Schinkel’s most unscrupulous tactics, Mikkelsen’s performance remains measured, with Ludvig’s emotions largely internalized to great effect.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2023
In his job, Ron bravely fought for players’ rights and helped unseat the unscrupulous Alan Eagleson as head of the NHL Players’ Assn.
—Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
And that, analysts say, has been an invitation for unscrupulous sellers to fudge — and for some shippers to adopt a see-no-evil approach.
—TIME, 23 Oct. 2023
His mother died in 1946 after swallowing bicarbonate that had been tainted with poison, one of eight victims of an unscrupulous pharmacist.
—Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unscrupulous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1803, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near unscrupulous
Cite this Entry
“Unscrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unscrupulous. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
unscrupulous
adjective
un·scru·pu·lous
ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs
ˈən-
: not scrupulous : unprincipled
unscrupulously
adverb
unscrupulousness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on unscrupulous
Nglish: Translation of unscrupulous for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of unscrupulous for Arabic Speakers
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