# scoundrel

/ˈskaʊndɹəɫ/ (US) · /skˈaʊndɹəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scoundrel
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a person who behaves badly or treats others unfairly. You use this word for someone who is dishonest and lacks a sense of duty or honor.

For teachers: a person who lacks principles or behaves in a dishonest and unscrupulous manner. Often carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone in modern usage.

## Examples

- That scoundrel stole my money and disappeared.
- The protagonist spent the first half of the novel as a charming scoundrel before finally deciding to help the village.
- History remembers him not as a hero, but as a self-serving scoundrel who betrayed his allies for personal gain during the height of the conflict.

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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.