The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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unscrupulous

adjective

/ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of unscrupulous

Lacking in moral principles and not adhering to ethical standards.
"The unscrupulous salesman used high-pressure tactics to make a sale."

Detailed meaning of unscrupulous

An unscrupulous individual may act in a deceptive or dishonest manner, without regard for the harm they cause to others. They may be willing to take advantage of vulnerable individuals or engage in unethical practices to achieve their goals. The term "unscrupulous" can also be used to describe actions or practices that are unfair, unjust, or unethical. Overall, the word "unscrupulous" conveys a sense of disapproval and highlights the need for individuals and organizations to act with integrity and honesty in their interactions with others.

Example sentences containing unscrupulous

1. The unscrupulous businessman took advantage of his customers.
2. He had an unscrupulous approach to making money, often resorting to illegal methods.
3. The unscrupulous politician was known for making promises he couldn't keep.
4. Her unscrupulous behavior damaged her reputation.
5. The unscrupulous company was notorious for exploiting its workers.
6. He had an unscrupulous attitude towards life, and did not care about the consequences of his actions.

History and etymology of unscrupulous

The adjective 'unscrupulous' has an intriguing etymology rooted in the Latin language. It derives from the Latin word 'scrupulus,' which referred to a small sharp stone or pebble. In ancient Rome, people believed that these small stones could cause discomfort or unease when they got into one's shoe, symbolizing a sense of moral discomfort or hesitation. Over time, this figurative sense evolved into the modern English term 'unscrupulous,' signifying a lack of moral principles and a willingness to disregard ethical standards without feeling troubled by it. This etymology highlights how language can vividly capture the evolution of abstract concepts like morality.

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Further usage examples of unscrupulous

1. The unscrupulous contractor cut corners and used substandard materials.
2. She had an unscrupulous reputation and was not trusted by her colleagues.
3. He had an unscrupulous plan to cheat the system and gain an unfair advantage.
4. The unscrupulous journalist fabricated stories to create sensational headlines.
5. She had an unscrupulous agenda and used her position of power to exploit others.
6. The unscrupulous businessman was willing to deceive customers to make a quick buck.
7. Her unscrupulous tactics in the courtroom raised eyebrows but ultimately won her the case.
8. In a world rife with misinformation, unscrupulous journalists are a real danger to society.
9. His unscrupulous manipulation of financial data led to the downfall of the entire corporation.
10. Unscrupulous politicians often prioritize personal gain over the welfare of their constituents.
11. The unscrupulous landlord was notorious for skirting regulations to exploit vulnerable tenants.
12. The athletes were penalized for their unscrupulous behavior, including use of performance-enhancing drugs.
13. In the art world, unscrupulous dealers have sold countless forgeries to unsuspecting buyers.
14. As a researcher, it's disheartening to see unscrupulous practices skew the results of important studies.
15. Many consumers fall victim to unscrupulous lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates on loans.
16. Unscrupulous hackers often exploit vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information from companies.
17. When corporations engage in unscrupulous practices, it erodes public trust and tarnishes their image.
18. Her unscrupulous maneuvering in social circles left many people questioning her sincerity.
19. Despite his unscrupulous methods, he climbed the corporate ladder at an astonishingly quick pace.
20. Unscrupulous vendors selling counterfeit goods are a significant problem in the online marketplace.
21. In the tech industry, some unscrupulous firms steal intellectual property without any remorse.
22. The unscrupulous actions of one team member jeopardized the integrity of the entire project.
23. Despite warnings, many people still fall for scams crafted by unscrupulous individuals online.
24. His unscrupulous nature became clear when he lied about his qualifications during the job interview.
25. In a desperate attempt to gain followers, some influencers engage in unscrupulous social media tactics.