noun
scoundrel
SKOWND-ruhl
Scoundrel (noun) means a dishonest or unprincipled person; a rogue or villain. Example: “The scoundrel ran off with the charity funds.”
noun
1
A dishonest or unprincipled person; a rogue or villain.
"The scoundrel ran off with the charity funds."
"He was branded a scoundrel after cheating his business partners."
How to use scoundrel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for someone who behaves dishonestly or without honour, usually used half-jokingly today.
When to use it
Slightly old-fashioned and often used with a touch of humor rather than genuine anger.
Common pairings
a lying scoundrel
a rank scoundrel
call someone a scoundrel
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Word forms
- Plural
- scoundrels
Fill the gap
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The _____ ran off with the charity funds.
Etymology
First recorded in the 1500s in forms like scondrel; its ultimate origin is unclear, though it may be linked to an old northern English or Scots word meaning to shrink back in fear or disgust.
Class of 1500
scoundrel joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “scoundrel” mean?
The word “scoundrel” means a dishonest or unprincipled person; a rogue or villain. In plain terms, a word for someone who behaves dishonestly or without honour, usually used half-jokingly today.
How do you pronounce “scoundrel”?
“Scoundrel” is pronounced SKOWND-ruhl (/ˈskaʊ̯ndɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scoundrel” in a sentence?
Here is “scoundrel” used in a sentence: “The scoundrel ran off with the charity funds.”
What part of speech is “scoundrel”?
“Scoundrel” is a noun.
Where does the word “scoundrel” come from?
The word “scoundrel” dates back to around 1500. First recorded in the 1500s in forms like scondrel; its ultimate origin is unclear, though it may be linked to an old northern English or Scots word meaning to shrink back in fear or disgust.
