low-life

Society's dregs personified

A low-life is a person of disreputable character—a petty criminal, a cheat, or someone who operates in society's margins.

The term carries contempt: That low-life stole my bike.

As an adjective, it describes seedy environments or behavior: a low-life bar, low-life scams.

Also spelled lowlife.

character

scoundrel

Dishonest, unscrupulous person

bum · dirtbag · creep · loser · degenerate · good-for-nothing · waste · scumbag · reprobate · wretch

criminal

thief

One who steals

  • crookBent implement or criminal
  • felonSerious crime perpetrator
  • burglarOne who breaks in

robber · pickpocket · mugger · shoplifter · vandal · delinquent · hoodlum · thug · petty criminal · troublemaker

dishonest

con artist

Professional fraud perpetrator

  • swindlerPerson who deceives for money
  • fraudIntentional criminal trickery
  • cheatAct dishonestly to win

hustler · grifter · scammer · snake · shady · crooked · shifty · sleazy · untrustworthy · two-faced

underworld

mobster

Organized crime member

  • gangsterCriminal organization member
  • mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
  • syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest

cartel · hitman · kingpin · racketeer · smuggler · fence · bootlegger · loan shark · enforcer · drug dealer

despicable

contemptible

Deserving strong disrespect

detestable · deplorable · abhorrent · repugnant · odious · wretched · pathetic · pitiful · shameful · disgraceful

Opposites
moral character

low-lifesaint

Canonized holy person

good person · pillar of the community · straight arrow · do-gooder · salt of the earth

social status/class

low-lifearistocrat

Person of noble birth

noble · blue blood · upper-class · highborn · wellborn

reputation/esteem

low-lifedignitary

Person of high rank

notable · luminary · VIP · pillar of society · somebody

Family

lowlife, lowlifes

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG