unscrupulous

adjective

ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs How to pronounce unscrupulous (audio)
Definition of unscrupulousnext
as in immoral
not guided by or showing a concern for what is right an unscrupulous businessman manipulated them into selling their land for practically nothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unscrupulous In searching for her niece, Jones is forced to grapple with not only her past, but also an unscrupulous music industry. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026 Early 2020s prestige television skewered the rich and unscrupulous. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026 But, argue the plaintiffs, the Nazis’ lists were often modified at the request of unscrupulous dealers. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 That is not to say that unscrupulous politicians do not engage in bribery. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unscrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unscrupulous
  1. immoral
  2. ruthless
  3. corrupt
  4. unprincipled
  5. unethical
Adjective
  • Convince people that an innocent person represents an existential threat, furnish them with a frightening conspiracy theory about an immoral enemy, and some may become willing to kill.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In those cases, your cause is so just that you are warranted to be immoral in protecting it.
    — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of immoral
Adjective
  • Today, it is widely known that coal miners of the 19th and early 20th centuries experienced ruthless exploitation and hazardous working conditions.
    — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Involuntary bumping is more ruthless, denying boarding to passengers in a joyless game of musical plane seats.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Democrats are strongly opposed to the kind of corrupt authoritarian government that Republicans seem unwilling to even speak out against.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The policy aims to make cadres more disciplined, effective and less corrupt.
    — KANIS LEUNG, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of corrupt
Adjective
  • To avoid being a mark for unprincipled lenders, borrowers shouldn’t rush into refinancing without considering all their choices.
    — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
  • That doesn't enable cunning and unprincipled men to subvert the power of the people.
    — Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of unprincipled
Adjective
  • Adams, usually so conciliatory, plainly voices her disgust with the unethical Mexican clinic which gave McQueen false hope, and side-eyes his late-in-life turn to Christianity.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Their distress often resonates with fellow citizens who share concerns about unresponsive institutions and unethical governance.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of unethical

Browse Nearby Words

unscripted
unscrupulous
unscrupulousness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unscrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unscrupulous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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