# scandal

/ˈskændəɫ/ (US) · /skˈændəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scandal
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. shocking event

noun · CEFR B2

an event or action that shocks people because it is morally wrong or illegal.

For teachers: an incident involving a perceived or actual violation of law or ethics that results in public outrage and reputational damage.

- The politician had to resign after a financial scandal was reported in the news.
- The corporate scandal involving embezzled funds led to a complete overhaul of the company's executive board and a sharp decline in share prices.

### 2. gossip

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

talk or reports about the shocking things other people have done.

For teachers: malicious or defamatory talk regarding the private lives or conduct of others.

- The magazine is full of scandal about famous movie stars.
- The local community was rife with scandal following the sudden and unexplained departure of the village priest.

## Examples

- The political scandal led to the leader's resignation.
- The local newspaper uncovered a financial scandal involving the misuse of public funds by city officials.
- While some scandals fade from memory within weeks, those involving systemic corruption often trigger long-term legislative reforms and a permanent shift in public trust.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.