unscrupulous
/ˌʌnˈskɹuːpjʊləs/
Group 15Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair GRE
Example in Context
The unscrupulous developer bribed local officials to bypass environmental regulations that would have blocked the project.
Synonyms
dishonestshadyimmoral
Etymology
Unscrupulous people lack the moral 'stones' to do the right thing.
- scrupulus (Latin) — a small stone
Memory Aid
🔧Sounds like “unscrew plus”
An unscrupulous mechanic tries to UNSCREW PLUS a few extra dollars from your wallet!
Visual Association
💰A shady character slipping a bribe under the table with a sly grin.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “unscrupulous” mean on the GRE?
unscrupulous (adjective) means “Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair”. The unscrupulous developer bribed local officials to bypass environmental regulations that would have blocked the project.
How to remember “unscrupulous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “unscrupulous” sounds like “unscrew plus”. An unscrupulous mechanic tries to UNSCREW PLUS a few extra dollars from your wallet!
What are synonyms for “unscrupulous”?
Common synonyms: dishonest, shady, immoral.