less scrupulous than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less scrupulous than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the moral integrity or ethical standards of one person or group to another, indicating that the first is not as principled. Example: "In the competitive world of business, some companies can be less scrupulous than their rivals, prioritizing profit over ethics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Print journalists less scrupulous than Nevinson were also twisting events to satisfy the political demands of their proprietors.

The Guardian - Books

Some people, apparently smarter and/or less scrupulous than I am, have been known to take advantage of foreknowledge about them, thus distorting the result.

The New Yorker

But if policemen less scrupulous than Mr Wilson are not to continue getting away with murder, the law needs to be tightened – and officers made to fear for their own future when they draw a pistol on a civilian.

Independent

The episode is one of many recounted here that reveal the paradox of Oppenheimer's loyalty being made an issue by people less scrupulous than he was in the exercise of their duties.

The New York Times - Books

Exhibiting an ingenuousness and lack of worldly wisdom, he became a tool in the hands of John of Gaunt (1340 99), Duke of Lancaster and a younger son of Edward III, who, from motives less scrupulous than those of Wycliffe, was opposed to the wealth and power of the clergy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reason, experts say, is not to suggest that electronic merchants are less scrupulous than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, only that there are fewer shopper-comfort factors online: you can't look a salesman in the eye, you can't feel the merchandise and you can't walk around the store.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Could a less scrupulous writer than those described above change history for the worse by exploiting, as opposed to exploring, the complicated relationship between fact and fiction?

The Guardian - Books

Apparently not, although that was the rumour that no less scrupulous a publication than the New Yorker put into circulation.

The Guardian - Books

Next the couple turned to organic websites, only to discover that some of them are less scrupulous about certification than others.

The Guardian

Begley is more discreet in reporting on this period of Updike's life than less scrupulous biographers (which is to say, most biographers) might be.

The New Yorker

His detective, JJ Gittes (brilliantly embodied by Jack Nicholson), however, is more fashion-conscious, less scrupulous and ultimately more disillusioned than Chandler's Marlowe.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less scrupulous than", ensure a clear comparison is established. Specify who or what is being compared and the context in which the comparison is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "less scrupulous than" without providing specific examples or context. Vague statements can weaken your argument and make it seem like you are making unfounded accusations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less scrupulous than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe someone or something as having lower moral standards or being less ethically careful compared to someone or something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less scrupulous than" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate a lower level of moral integrity or ethical carefulness. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts where ethical comparisons are often drawn. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to substantiate the comparison and avoid generalizations. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "of lower integrity than". In summary, "less scrupulous than" is an effective tool for ethical comparison when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unscrupulous than

Is a synonym, but uses a different variation of the term.

of lower integrity than

Focuses on the overall moral soundness and honesty of a person or entity.

more unethical than

Focuses directly on the lack of ethics, providing a stronger negative connotation.

more unprincipled than

Highlights the absence of guiding principles.

less virtuous than

Highlights a lack of moral excellence or righteousness.

with looser morals than

Emphasizes the relaxed or flexible nature of someone's moral code.

less ethical compared to

Uses "compared to" to provide a clear comparison regarding ethical standards.

less honest than

Focuses on the aspect of honesty as opposed to general scrupulousness.

more deceitful than

Highlights the deceptive nature of someone's actions compared to another.

more Machiavellian than

Implies a cunning and pragmatic approach, often prioritizing ends over means.

FAQs

How can I use "less scrupulous than" in a sentence?

You can use "less scrupulous than" to compare the ethical standards of two entities, for example: "Some companies are "less scrupulous than" others when it comes to environmental regulations."

What's the difference between "less scrupulous than" and "more unethical than"?

"Less scrupulous than" suggests a lack of moral carefulness, while "more unethical than" /s/more+unethical+than directly accuses someone of violating ethical codes. The former is a milder comparison.

Are there any situations where using "less scrupulous than" would be inappropriate?

It may be inappropriate to use "less scrupulous than" in formal settings without concrete evidence. Using it without justification can be seen as accusatory or defamatory.

What can I say instead of "less scrupulous than" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, consider using alternatives like "of lower integrity than" or "more unprincipled than" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.