unscrupulous
UK: ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs | US: ʌnˈskruːpjələs
adj. lacking moral principles; willing to act dishonestly for personal gain
adj. not restrained by ethical considerations; unprincipled
The word "unscrupulous" combines the negative prefix "un-" (from Old English "un-," meaning "not") with "scrupulous," which derives from Latin "scrupulosus" (meaning "full of doubts" or "meticulous"). The Latin root "scrupulus" referred to a small sharp stone, metaphorically representing a nagging doubt or moral hesitation. Over time, "scrupulous" evolved to mean "careful or principled," while "unscrupulous" negated this, implying a lack of moral restraint. The contrast highlights the erosion of ethical boundaries in behavior.
The unscrupulous businessman exploited his workers for maximum profit.
She avoided unscrupulous tactics to win the competition.
The journalist exposed the unscrupulous practices of the pharmaceutical company.
His unscrupulous behavior eventually led to legal consequences.
Politicians who act unscrupulously lose public trust.