scoundrel
word
/ˈskaʊndɹəɫ/
SKOWN-druhl
/skˈaʊndɹəl/
SKOWN-druhl
Definition
A scoundrel is someone who behaves in a dishonest or morally wrong way, especially to cheat or harm others.
Usage & Nuances
"Scoundrel" is somewhat old-fashioned or literary, often used informally or humorously. It can be milder than "villain" or "criminal," describing someone bad but not necessarily violent. Typical collocations: "old scoundrel," "loveable scoundrel." Rare in everyday speech.
Spanish: sinvergüenza - bribón - canallaPortuguese (BR): canalha - patife - vigaristaPortuguese (PT): canalha - patife - vigaristaChinese (Simplified): 无赖 - 恶棍Chinese (Traditional): 無賴 - 惡棍Hindi: धूर्त - बदमाशArabic: وغد - نذل - محتالBengali: খলনায়ক - দুষ্কৃতিকারীRussian: негодяй - мерзавецJapanese: 悪党 - ならず者Vietnamese: kẻ vô lại - kẻ đểu cángKorean: 악당 - 불한당Turkish: hain - düzenbazUrdu: بدماش - کمینہIndonesian: penjahat - bajingan
Example Sentences
Don’t trust that scoundrel with your secrets.
basic
Only a scoundrel would cheat their own family.
natural
That charming scoundrel talked his way out of trouble again.
natural
The scoundrel stole money from the old man.
basic
Everyone knew he was a scoundrel, but no one stopped him.
basic
He’s a bit of a scoundrel, but people still like him.
natural