scoundrel

USAGE SUMMARY

'scoundrel' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who behaves dishonestly or shows a lack of moral principles. Example sentence: That scoundrel cheated the elderly out of their money.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The lower that scoundrel scoops, the more hirsute he gets and he hit his hairiest lurking in the hospital corridors, suggesting Linda called "their" son Kevin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nationalism in many of Britain's former colonies today is the first refuge of the political scoundrel and the intellectual thug.

The Guardian - Opinion

He knew him as a scoundrel, a liar, a cheat, a thief, a coward and, not least, a toady, ever able to make himself shine in the eyes of his braying superiors.

The Economist

"INIQUITOUS conduct" is just what the audience hopes for from the scoundrel in a juicy drama of virtue threatened by villainy.

The Economist

Whenever Nate tires of one, there always seems to be another to take her place, ready to be wooed with talk of Svevo or Bernhard.Nate is a proper 21st-century scoundrel: sensitive, self-justifying and narcissistic.

The Economist

So said Alan Beresford B'Stard, Tory MP, scoundrel and 1980s vehicle for Rik Mayall, who died on June 9th.

The Economist

They did not always find his prose inspiring the young Thomas Jefferson wrote, "I do wish the devil had old Coke for I am sure I was never so tired of an old dull scoundrel in all my life"—but they recognised the importance of his vision to their cause.

The Economist

Curzon wrote that Powindah was "a first-class scoundrel that we are taking under our wings".A Wazir of North Waziristan, Mirza Ali Khan, known as the Faqir of Ipi, was a harder case.

The Economist

IF PATRIOTISM is the last refuge of the scoundrel, national security, say critics of Gordon Brown, is the last hope of the beleaguered politician.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Among Pullman's other works are How to Be Cool (1987), The Broken Bridge (1990), The White Mercedes (1992; reissued and adapted as the film The Butterfly Tattoo [2009]), The Firework-Maker's Daughter (1995), The Scarecrow and the Servant (2004), and The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ (2010).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And to those bound to be intolerantly offended by The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ, one of the consolations that he offers is the thought that: "This is not the last story that is ever going to be written about Jesus.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scoundrel" to describe someone who is not only dishonest but also lacks moral principles, creating a sense of justified indignation.

Common error

While "scoundrel" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in extremely formal or academic writing where a more neutral or precise term might be more suitable. Consider alternatives like "fraudster" or "unethical individual".

Linguistic Context

The word "scoundrel" functions primarily as a noun, serving to identify a person characterized by dishonesty and a lack of moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples show its use across various contexts to label deceitful individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scoundrel" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun to describe a person lacking honesty and moral principles. According to Ludwig AI, the word is appropriate in various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While its usage is generally neutral, it carries a negative connotation and is best used when expressing disapproval. Related terms include "rascal", "rogue", and "villain", each carrying slightly different implications. Remember to consider the formality of your writing when using "scoundrel", and avoid overusing it in strictly academic contexts. "Scoundrel" is deemed very common with numerous examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rascal

A milder term for someone mischievous or dishonest, often used affectionately.

Rogue

Suggests a playful or charming lawbreaker, less harsh than "scoundrel".

Villain

Implies a more serious level of wrongdoing and malicious intent.

Swindler

Specifically refers to someone who deceives others to gain money or property.

Charlatan

Someone falsely claiming to have special knowledge or skill.

Miscreant

A formal term for a wrongdoer or villain.

Ne'er-do-well

An idle and irresponsible person.

Blackguard

A rude or unscrupulous man.

Reprobate

A depraved or unprincipled person.

Knave

A dishonest or unscrupulous man.

FAQs

How do you use "scoundrel" in a sentence?

You can use "scoundrel" to describe someone who is dishonest or lacks moral principles. For example, "The politician was exposed as a "scoundrel" after the corruption scandal came to light."

What can I say instead of "scoundrel"?

You can use alternatives like "rascal", "rogue", or "villain", depending on the context and the severity of the person's actions.

Which is correct, "scoundrel" or "scoundral"?

"Scoundrel" is the correct spelling. "Scoundral" is a misspelling and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "scoundrel" and "villain"?

While both terms describe wrongdoers, "villain" often implies a more significant or malicious level of wrongdoing. A "scoundrel" might be dishonest or unethical, whereas a villain is often actively causing harm or destruction.