# scandalous

/ˈskændəɫəs/ (US) · /skˈændələs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scandalous
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

describing something that is shocking or morally wrong. You use this when people are very upset or angry about a situation.

For teachers: causing public outrage or shock due to perceived immorality or illegality. Often used to describe behavior, events, or news that violates social standards.

## Examples

- The politician resigned after a scandalous report was published.
- The company faced a scandalous investigation after whistleblowers revealed that executives had been hiding massive debts.
- While the novel was considered scandalous upon its initial release in the Victorian era, modern readers often find its themes of social rebellion quite mild.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.

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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.