unscrupulous

1 of 2

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

unscrupulousness

2 of 2

noun

un·​scrupulousness

"+

: the quality or state of being unscrupulous

Synonyms of unscrupulous

Adjective

• immoral
• ruthless
• corrupt
• unprincipled
• unethical

Examples of unscrupulous in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

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

The Khmer Rouge lost power in 1979, but fighting and instability continued for decades, leaving Cambodia's temples unprotected and vulnerable… easy targets for unscrupulous antiquities dealers like Douglas Latchford. — Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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