scruples

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scruples" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a person's sense of right and wrong and a reluctance to do anything that conflicts with his or her moral values. For example: "She had scruples about accepting the money without doing any actual work for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am not going to tread on private (and public) grief in the case of Miliband, other than to say that, when saddled with a leader they regard as a loser, the Tories traditionally have no scruples in unseating the incumbent.

The Guardian

In Secret Agent, moral scruples perturb the decent English while, killer and clown, Hispanic Peter Lorre finds the murder business ludicrously comic.

The Guardian - Film

It is only by imagining ourselves into the world of the early 19th century that we can begin to empathise with Fanny's scruples.

The Economist

When two foreign banks, one Dutch, the other Spanish, launched contested takeover bids this year for a couple of Italy's smaller banks, Mr Fazio pretended that normal scruples would govern the outcome.

The Economist

It is a formula that buys the party short-term comfort at the expense of long-term instability.Seven years ago the party abandoned its scruples about recruiting private entrepreneurs.

The Economist

But Labour had no such statistical scruples when the figures were politically advantageous.

The Economist

Her lawyer argued that wearing a burkini did not entirely meet her religious scruples: it would make her feel embarrassed, and she would still have to mingle with scantily clad boys.

The Economist

But, conversely, Europeans must accept the logic of their own scruples: if Colombia is to bludgeon its rebels to submit to the rule of law on tougher terms it will need much more military aid.

The Economist

And investors who prove to be overly sensitive to the environment or the impact on local people are frequently dumped in favour of those with fewer scruples.

The Economist

On the other hand, he has no scruples about employing the resources of the Venezuelan petro-state in pursuing partisan objectives, and he has a stranglehold over the country's nominally autonomous institutions.Even the national electoral authority is dominated by government appointees.

The Economist

By naming and shaming transgressors, they believe that a new norm will be created which even such countries as Russia and China, with few scruples over whom they supply arms to, will eventually be forced to take seriously.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scruples" to precisely convey a hesitation or reluctance to act due to ethical or moral considerations. It suggests a thoughtful, principled approach.

Common error

Avoid using "scruples" when merely indicating hesitation or uncertainty. "Scruples" specifically relates to moral or ethical reservations, not general indecision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scruples" is as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It denotes moral or ethical considerations that cause hesitation or reluctance in undertaking certain actions. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, illustrating how "scruples" modify behavior or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scruples" is a noun denoting moral or ethical reservations that influence decisions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, use "scruples" to specifically convey moral hesitations, differentiating it from general indecision. Alternatives include "qualms" or "ethical concerns", depending on the intended nuance. Remember that lacking ""scruples"" implies a disregard for ethical principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualms of conscience

Emphasizes the role of conscience in creating reservations, adding a personal and reflective dimension.

concerns about principle

Emphasizes adherence to principles as the source of worry or hesitation.

moral compunction

Implies a stronger sense of guilt or regret, suggesting a deeper internal conflict.

moral reservations

Highlights the internal doubts related to morality, offering a slightly more formal tone.

ethical hesitations

Highlights slight doubts related to ethical decision-making, offering a more nuanced perspective.

moral objections

Directly points to a rejection based on moral grounds, more assertive than "scruples".

ethical considerations

Focuses on the broader ethical implications, suitable for formal discussions.

unease about ethics

Describes a discomfort or anxiety regarding ethical implications, rather than a firm moral stance.

ethical dilemmas

Highlights difficult choices involving conflicting ethical principles, differing from simple hesitations.

sense of propriety

Focuses on conforming to socially accepted standards of behavior, not necessarily deep moral convictions.

FAQs

How to use "scruples" in a sentence?

You can use "scruples" to describe someone's moral or ethical reservations about doing something. For instance, "He had no "scruples" about lying to get ahead" or "Her "scruples" prevented her from participating in the unethical activity".

What can I say instead of "scruples"?

Alternatives to "scruples" include "qualms", "misgivings", "reservations", or "ethical concerns", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "scruples" and "principles"?

"Scruples" are feelings of doubt or hesitation about the morality of a course of action, while "principles" are fundamental beliefs or values that guide behavior. You might have ""scruples"" about violating your "principles".

Is it correct to say someone "lacks scruples"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say someone "lacks "scruples"". This means they are unconcerned with moral or ethical considerations and are willing to do things that others might find wrong.