Unscrupulous: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing someone who acts without regard for morals or ethics, often in a deliberately deceptive or harmful way.

• The unscrupulous businessman manipulated stock prices to benefit himself
• She was wary of unscrupulous contractors who overcharged and did poor-quality work

Related to professional conduct; describes actions that go against the accepted norms and principles of a profession or field.

• The doctor was fired for unethical behavior involving patient records
• It is unethical for a lawyer to disclose client information without permission

Refers to someone who lies or cheats. Can be used in everyday situations where someone is not being truthful.

• He was dishonest about his qualifications during the job interview
• The store clerk was dishonest and shortchanged the customers

Describes actions or behavior that are considered wrong or bad by societal standards. It often has a broader, more serious connotation than 'dishonest'.

• The company's treatment of workers was deemed immoral by human rights organizations
• He was arrested for engaging in immoral activities

Describes actions or people who have no moral principles and are willing to deceive others to achieve their goals. Has a strong negative implication.

• He was an unscrupulous competitor, always trying to sabotage others.
• The unscrupulous lawyer exploited his clients for personal gain.

Often used in the context of officials, politicians, or systems that are dishonest or fraudulent. The word implies a breakdown in integrity and ethics.

• The city’s corrupt mayor was finally arrested for accepting bribes.
• Corrupt practices within the organization led to its eventual fall.

Describes someone or something that is intentionally misleading or dishonest. It is used for people or actions that involve lying or deception.

• His deceitful nature made it difficult for anyone to trust him.
• The advertisement was deceitful, promising results it couldn't deliver.

Informally used to describe someone or something that appears dishonest or suspicious. Lacks the direct accusation of wrongdoing but implies a lack of trustworthiness.

• That guy looks shady, maybe we should avoid him.
• She was involved in some shady business deals, but nothing could be proven.