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Miscreant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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miscreant

[หˆmษชskrษชษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal behavior

A miscreant is a person who behaves badly or breaks the law. Miscreants are often considered to be dishonest, untrustworthy, or immoral individuals.

Synonyms

criminal, delinquent, wrongdoer.

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Word Description / Examples
miscreant

Used to describe someone who behaves badly or breaks the law, often with a slightly archaic or literary tone.

  • The village was terrorized by a band of miscreants
  • The police finally caught the miscreant who had been vandalizing the neighborhood
wrongdoer

A more general term for someone who does something morally or legally wrong. It can be used in both serious and less formal situations.

  • The wrongdoer showed no remorse for their actions
  • The community worked together to bring the wrongdoers to justice
criminal

Refers to a person who has committed a crime; commonly used in legal and general contexts. It has a more formal and serious connotation.

  • The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison
  • The police are tracking down the criminals involved in the robbery
delinquent

Often used to refer to young people who commit minor crimes or acts of misbehavior. It can also describe someone who fails to meet an obligation or duty.

  • The school is working on programs to help delinquent youths get back on track
  • The delinquent taxpayer was fined for not paying taxes on time

Examples of usage

  • He was known in the neighborhood as a miscreant who had been in and out of jail multiple times.
  • The miscreant was caught stealing from the local store and was arrested by the police.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing behavior

When someone's behavior is described as miscreant, it means that they are engaging in dishonest, immoral, or criminal activities.

Synonyms

criminal, dishonest, immoral.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miscreant

Used to describe someone who behaves badly or unlawfully. This word often carries a somewhat old-fashioned or formal tone.

  • The king's guards captured the miscreant who tried to steal the royal jewels.
  • In the old town, miscreants were often locked up in the stocks for public shaming.
dishonest

Describes someone who is not truthful or deceitful. This word can be used in both serious and casual conversations but does not necessarily imply a criminal act.

  • The salesman was dishonest about the car's condition just to make a quick sale.
  • Being dishonest in relationships often leads to betrayal and heartbreak.
immoral

Used to describe actions or behaviors that go against moral principles. This term often carries a sense of ethical judgment.

  • Many people considered his actions immoral for abandoning his family.
  • The practice of cheating in exams is seen as immoral and unfair to honest students.
criminal

Refers to someone who has committed a crime and usually involves legal implication. It is a straightforward term used in both formal and informal settings.

  • The criminal was arrested by the police after robbing the bank.
  • She spent years working as a criminal lawyer, defending those accused of serious offenses.

Examples of usage

  • The miscreant behavior of the employee led to his termination from the company.
  • She was involved in miscreant activities that ultimately landed her in trouble with the law.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'miscreant'

The word 'miscreant' originated from the Old French word 'miscreant' which means unbeliever or heretic. In the Middle Ages, it was used to describe those who did not follow the Christian faith. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to someone who behaves immorally or breaks the law.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,185 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.