Definition

Lacking moral principles or ethics; willing to do anything to achieve a goal, regardless of what is right or wrong.

Example

The unscrupulous businessman cheated his clients to make more money.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new business in town?

Yeah, I heard it's run by some unscrupulous people.

That's what I thought too; it just feels wrong.

Definitely, I’d be careful about getting involved with them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unscrupulous → It is formed from the prefix "un-" (meaning not) and the root "scrupulus" (from Latin, meaning a small stone or a moral doubt). The word describes someone who is not troubled by moral doubts or scruples, hence lacking principles or ethics.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'not' ('un-') worried about 'moral doubts' ('scrupulus') — that's why unscrupulous means lacking in ethics.

Visually Confused Words