low-lifes
Society's bottom dwellers
Low-lifes is a plural of lowlife, a person of disreputable character or low social standing—criminals, degenerates, or those who frequent unsavory environments: The bar attracted low-lifes and drifters.
The term is contemptuous, suggesting someone morally deficient rather than merely poor.
Also spelled lowlifes.
Surface residue or lowlifes
- dregsResidue at bottom
- riffraffDisreputable or undesirable people
- scoundrelDishonest, unscrupulous person
- verminHarmful small animals
bottom-feeder · deadbeat · sleazebag · dirtbag · creep · loser · bum · scumbag
Disreputably low-quality
- shadyDisreputable or sun-blocked
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
- dodgyQuestionable in character
- unsavoryMorally or socially objectionable
corrupt · degenerate · dishonorable · sordid · scandalous · disgraceful · shameful · infamous
Serious crime perpetrator
- convictJailed offender after trial
- offenderOne who breaks rules
- delinquentFailing in duty
- thiefOne who steals
burglar · robber · mugger · pickpocket · vandal · fraudster · arsonist · forger
Suffering from difficult circumstances
- povertySevere lack of resources
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
- desperationUtter loss of hope
squalor · deprivation · grit · resilience · subsistence · plight · down-and-out · hard luck
scum
Surface residue or lowlifes
- dregsResidue at bottom
- riffraffDisreputable or undesirable people
- scoundrelDishonest, unscrupulous person
vermin · bottom-feeder · deadbeat · sleazebag · dirtbag · creep · loser · bum · scumbag · slimeball
sleazy
Disreputably low-quality
- shadyDisreputable or sun-blocked
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
- dodgyQuestionable in character
unsavory · corrupt · degenerate · dishonorable · sordid · scandalous · disgraceful · shameful · infamous · notorious
felon
Serious crime perpetrator
- convictJailed offender after trial
- offenderOne who breaks rules
- delinquentFailing in duty
thief · burglar · robber · mugger · pickpocket · vandal · fraudster · arsonist · forger · smuggler
hardship
Suffering from difficult circumstances
- povertySevere lack of resources
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
desperation · squalor · deprivation · grit · resilience · subsistence · plight · down-and-out · hard luck · rock bottom
low-lifesgood people
Morally upright individuals
saints · pillars of the community · do-gooders · straight arrows · role models
low-lifeshigh society
The social elite
pillars of the community · elites · dignitaries · gentlemen · ladies