Quick answer
Scoundrel means a dishonest or immoral person. It is stronger than rascal and usually more serious than playful rogue.
Word page
Scoundrel Meaning
A scoundrel is a dishonest, immoral, or contemptible person. Unlike lighter insults such as rascal or scallywag, scoundrel usually points to real moral failure. It is still clear to modern readers and works well in fiction, criticism, and dramatic accusations.
At a glance
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, a scoundrel is someone whose behavior is dishonest, selfish, exploitative, or morally bad. The word can sound old-fashioned, but the meaning is still strong. A charming scoundrel may be entertaining on the page, but the word itself is not praise.
Tone, context and nuance
Scoundrel is negative and morally loaded. It can sound literary or theatrical, but it remains understandable. Use it when dishonesty or bad character matters. If the behavior is only playful mischief, choose rascal, scallywag, or rapscallion instead.
Common mistakes
- Using it for harmless mischief: Scoundrel is stronger than a playful troublemaker label.
- Applying it to objects: A person can be a scoundrel; an object is faulty or suspicious.
- Treating it as affectionate praise: It can be playful in tone, but the meaning is morally negative.
- Confusing it with rogue: Rogue can sound charming or independent; scoundrel is more clearly blameworthy.
Example sentences
- Simple: Only a scoundrel would steal from people who trusted him.
- Everyday: The contractor sounded friendly, but turned out to be a scoundrel.
- Writing: The novel lets the scoundrel speak beautifully before revealing his cruelty.
- Nuance: Scoundrel is harsher than rapscallion because it suggests real dishonesty.
- Awkward: "The broken gate is a scoundrel." Better: "The person who broke it and lied was a scoundrel."
Similar words and differences
Opposite words
honest person, honorable person, decent person, trustworthy person
Word origin
The exact origin of scoundrel is uncertain. It has long been used in English for a contemptible or dishonest person.
Writing tip
Use scoundrel when the sentence needs moral force. If the person is merely annoying, use a lighter word; if the person is truly dangerous, be more precise about the harm.
Common questions
- What does scoundrel mean in simple words? Scoundrel means a dishonest, immoral, or contemptible person.
- Is scoundrel an insult? Yes. It is a strong negative word about character.
- How do you pronounce scoundrel? Scoundrel is pronounced SKOWN-druhl.
- Is scoundrel stronger than rascal? Usually yes. Rascal can be playful, while scoundrel suggests real dishonesty or moral failure.
- What is another word for scoundrel? Similar words include reprobate, cad, bounder, rapscallion, and villain.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.