Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being unscrupulous: This refers to the characteristic of having no moral principles, being dishonest, or not being restrained by ideas of right and wrong. It describes a lack of scruples—those feelings of doubt or hesitation that prevent a person from doing something wrong.

Usage

The noun "unscrupulousness" is used to describe the general character or behavior of a person, organization, or action that is marked by a disregard for ethics, fairness, or honesty. It is a formal term often found in critiques, analyses, or descriptions of corrupt or immoral conduct.

Examples

• The investigation revealed the unscrupulousness of the company's accounting practices.
• His rapid rise in the industry was attributed more to unscrupulousness than to talent.
• The politician was criticized for the unscrupulousness with which she attacked her opponents.

Advanced Usage

• "with unscrupulousness": This phrase is used to describe the manner in which an action is carried out.
  • The dictator ruled with absolute unscrupulousness, silencing all dissent.
• "the unscrupulousness of": This construction is used to attribute the quality to a specific person, entity, or their actions.
  • The public was shocked by the unscrupulousness of the fraud scheme.

Variants and Related Words

• Unscrupulous (adj): Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.
  • An unscrupulous businessman.
• Scruple (n): A feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.
  • He had no scruples about lying.
• Scrupulous (adj): Very concerned to avoid doing wrong; diligent and thorough.
  • She was scrupulous in her financial dealings.

Synonyms

• Dishonesty: The quality of being untruthful or deceitful.
• Unprincipledness: Lacking moral principles.
• Ruthlessness: Having no pity or compassion, which can overlap with a lack of moral restraint.
• Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.

Antonyms

• Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
• Scrupulousness: The quality of being very careful to do things properly and correctly, with moral consideration.
• Honesty: The quality of being truthful and sincere.
• Probity: The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Without scruple": Acting without moral hesitation. This phrase is conceptually related to the meaning of "unscrupulousness."
  • He would exploit anyone without scruple to get what he wanted.

Noun

1. the quality of unscrupulous dishonesty