Scoundrel: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆนโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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scoundrel

 

[ หˆskaสŠn.drษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

dishonest person

A scoundrel is a person who is dishonest, untrustworthy, and generally behaves in a morally reprehensible way. Scoundrels are often known for their deceitful behavior and lack of integrity.

Synonyms

knave, rascal, rogue, villain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scoundrel

Generally used to describe a person who behaves dishonestly or unscrupulously. Often carries strong negative connotations.

  • He is nothing but a scoundrel who cheats people out of their money.
  • The story's main antagonist was a scoundrel who betrayed his friends.
rascal

Often used playfully or affectionately to describe someone who is mischievous rather than truly evil. Can be used for both children and adults.

  • That little rascal hid my keys again!
  • He's a charming rascal who always gets into trouble.
villain

Typically used to describe a character who is evil or malicious, particularly in literature, film, and drama. Has strong negative connotations.

  • The villain in the movie had a diabolical plan to take over the world.
  • In many fairy tales, the villain is often a wicked witch or an evil step-parent.
rogue

Can be used more neutrally or even positively to describe someone who is charming or adventurous but not necessarily law-abiding. Often implies a certain level of independence.

  • They call him a rogue, but he has a heart of gold.
  • The rogue adventurer ventured into uncharted territories.
knave

An old-fashioned term typically used in historical or fantasy settings. It conveys a sense of dishonesty or trickery.

  • The knight accused the thief of being a knave and challenged him to a duel.
  • In medieval tales, a knave was often someone who served a lord dishonestly.

Examples of usage

  • He's a scoundrel who will do anything to get what he wants.
  • The scoundrel tricked her into giving him her life savings.
  • Beware of that scoundrel, he cannot be trusted.

Translations

Translations of the word "scoundrel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น canalha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅเคทเฅเคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schurke

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penjahat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะฐั…ั€ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล‚ajdak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‚ชๅ…š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท scรฉlรฉrat

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ canalla

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sahtekar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•…๋‹น

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญุชุงู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zlosyn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ podvodnรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ่ต–

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prevarant

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sjรกlfselskur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปะฐัา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ›แƒœแƒแƒจแƒแƒ•แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸarlatan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ canalla

Etymology

The word 'scoundrel' originated in the late 16th century from the obsolete sense of 'fornicator'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a dishonest or unscrupulous person. The term has been used in literature and everyday language to describe individuals who engage in deceitful or immoral behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,035, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.