unscrupulous characters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unscrupulous characters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who are dishonest or lacking moral principles, often in a negative context. Example: "The story revolves around a group of unscrupulous characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A spate of "unscrupulous characters" have been trying to cash in on city householders who don't have burglar alarms, local police warn.

The Guardian

The idea was that underwriters would eventually find out whether the ship had arrived, or not, at the same time, preventing unscrupulous characters from passing on the risk to unknowing rivals.

Independent

Some of the most unscrupulous characters he creates are members of right-wing militias in Montana or the mob in New York, and he prefers to remain mysterious -- not unlike his intriguing hero, Jack Reacher, a loner and high-ranking ex-military police officer who appears in all four novels and who will also be in the next one, "Echo Burning," scheduled to come out next year.

The New York Times

Rand demonstrated what can happen if unscrupulous characters in the private sector and the government form an alliance.

Duke University

Both boys' stepfathers came from lineages filled with unscrupulous characters.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, an English police detective investigates the disappearance of the money and the unscrupulous characters connected to the crime.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It's hard to live a good life," one unscrupulous character opines.

The New York Times - Books

The 30-second ad has been viewed 1.8m times and marked the start of a wide-ranging rollout of the political campaign-themed ad strategy that uses lines including "Whatever it takes", a tongue-in-cheek reference to Spacey's totally unscrupulous character.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Caroline would usually manipulate people and talk around things but Ross doesn't allow that, he knows her too well". Whilst in London, Caroline meets an unscrupulous character who is new to Poldark this year and is intent on stirring up trouble.

BBC

Jessica Chastain not only plays a brilliant, unscrupulous character, but she manages to conceal all emotion while she's scheming.

Huffington Post

He embraces the comparison to the unscrupulous television character, portrayed by the actor Sorrell Booke.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing individuals in a factual context, consider using synonyms like "dishonest individuals" or "unprincipled people" for a more neutral tone. In fiction, "villainous individuals" or "Machiavellian figures" can add more depth and nuance.

Common error

While acceptable, "unscrupulous characters" can sometimes sound cliché in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of their unethical behavior instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unscrupulous characters" functions as a noun phrase, with "unscrupulous" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "characters". It typically serves to identify and categorize individuals based on their lack of moral principles, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unscrupulous characters" is used to describe individuals lacking moral principles, often portrayed negatively across different contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, it finds usage in various sources like News & Media, Academia, and Wiki. For alternatives, consider "dishonest individuals" or "unprincipled people" depending on the desired tone. When writing, ensure the term aligns with the context, avoiding overuse in overly formal settings. The term is commonly used to critically categorize individuals based on unethical behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dishonest individuals

Replaces "unscrupulous" with a more direct synonym, focusing on lack of honesty.

unprincipled people

Emphasizes the lack of moral principles, offering a slightly more formal tone.

immoral figures

Highlights the lack of morality, suitable for describing characters in fiction or historical contexts.

unethical personalities

Focuses on the violation of ethical standards, appropriate for professional or public contexts.

villainous individuals

Implies malicious intent and a tendency towards wrongdoing, often used in narrative contexts.

deceitful persons

Highlights the act of deception and trickery as a primary characteristic.

crooked characters

Suggests dishonesty and illegal activities, adding a colloquial flavor.

Machiavellian figures

Implies a strategic and manipulative approach, often prioritizing power over ethics.

conniving individuals

Stresses the manipulative and scheming nature of the persons involved.

scheming personalities

Focuses on the tendency to create and execute secret plans for personal gain.

FAQs

What does "unscrupulous characters" mean?

The phrase "unscrupulous characters" refers to individuals who are dishonest, unethical, and lacking in moral principles. They are often willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, regardless of who they harm in the process.

How can I use "unscrupulous characters" in a sentence?

You can use "unscrupulous characters" to describe people in both fiction and real life. For example, "The novel features a cast of "unscrupulous characters" who are all vying for power" or "The investigation revealed a network of "unscrupulous characters" engaged in illegal activities".

What are some synonyms for "unscrupulous characters"?

Some synonyms for "unscrupulous characters" include "dishonest individuals", "unprincipled people", "immoral figures", and "unethical personalities".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "unscrupulous characters"?

The phrase "unscrupulous characters" can be used in various contexts, including literature, news reporting, and general discussions about unethical behavior. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the lack of moral scruples in a group of individuals.