unscrupulous

adjective

un·​scru·​pu·​lous ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs How to pronounce unscrupulous (audio)
: not scrupulous : unprincipled
unscrupulously adverb
unscrupulousness noun

Examples of unscrupulous in a Sentence

an unscrupulous businessman manipulated them into selling their land for practically nothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bankruptcy proceedings, filed in March, had drawn scrutiny from lawmakers who warned that millions of customers’ genetic data could be sold to unscrupulous buyers. CNN Money, 19 May 2025 Filho’s movie operates at the pace and tenor of a drama in exile, albeit one that’s fringed with B-movie fun and stalked by a pair of unscrupulous hitmen. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 May 2025 Wielding reams of Abel’s private communications — which, with some unscrupulous massaging and creativity, could be sliced, diced, and stripped of context to support a false narrative about them. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 Another potential deepfake danger may be from business partners, competitors or unscrupulous market speculators looking to gain leverage in negotiations or to try to affect a company's stock price through bad publicity. Jim Richberg, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unscrupulous

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unscrupulous was in 1803

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Cite this Entry

“Unscrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unscrupulous. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

unscrupulous

adjective
un·​scru·​pu·​lous ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs How to pronounce unscrupulous (audio)
ˈən-
: not scrupulous : unprincipled
unscrupulously adverb
unscrupulousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unscrupulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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