Word
scruples
Phoneticsscru·ples, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskɹupəɫz/
UK/skɹˈuːpəlz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. small worries that something you want to do might be wrong. You have scruples when you hold back because you think an action is unfair or dishonest.
n. moral doubts or hesitations that restrain a person from doing something considered wrong or unfair. Often appears in negative constructions to signal absence of moral restraint.
Examples
“She has no scruples about telling small lies.”
“The salesman has no scruples and pushes elderly customers to buy plans they do not need.”
“A lawyer with scruples refuses cases that require deceiving the court, even when the fees would secure the firm's future for years.”
Examples
simple
“She has no scruples about telling small lies.”
contextual
“The salesman has no scruples and pushes elderly customers to buy plans they do not need.”
complex
“A lawyer with scruples refuses cases that require deceiving the court, even when the fees would secure the firm's future for years.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “scruples” in context.
Verb
01. act without scruples
“Rival firms will act without scruples to win the contract.”
verb + prep + noun
02. have scruples
“I have scruples about charging friends for professional advice.”
verb + noun
03. ignore scruples
“Unscrupulous lenders ignore scruples and exploit vulnerable borrowers.”
verb + noun
04. overcome scruples
“He finally overcame his scruples and reported the fraud to the police.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. ethical scruples
“The journalist had ethical scruples about publishing the stolen emails.”
adj + noun
06. moral scruples
“He had moral scruples about defending a client he knew was guilty.”
adj + noun
07. religious scruples
“She refused the treatment on religious scruples rather than medical grounds.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. lack of scruples
“His complete lack of scruples shocked even his closest allies.”
noun + prep + noun
09. act without moral scruples
“The gang acted without moral scruples and threatened witnesses.”
10. cast aside all scruples
“He cast aside all scruples in his ruthless bid for promotion.”
11. have no scruples about
“He has no scruples about lying to customers to make a sale.”
12. overcome any scruples about
“She overcame any scruples about spying and read his diary.”
Usage
Almost always plural; commonly used with 'have' or 'have no' plus 'about'.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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