scoundrelly
Like a rogue
Scoundrelly describes behavior befitting a scoundrel—dishonest, unscrupulous, or roguishly villainous: a scoundrelly scheme to cheat investors, his scoundrelly charm.
The word carries a slightly theatrical or old-fashioned flavor, suggesting villainy of the cape-twirling variety rather than truly menacing evil.
Lacking moral principles
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- unprincipledLacking moral standards
- unethicalViolating moral standards
crooked · shameful · disgraceful · disreputable · immoral · sordid · low · shady
Extremely evil or villainous
- dastardlyWicked and cowardly
- wickedEvil or slang-excellent
- vileExtremely unpleasant or bad
- despicableMorally worthless, beneath regard
malevolent · sinister · diabolical · fiendish · heinous · treacherous · malicious · cruel
Sly, scheming cleverness
- deviousUnderhanded and calculating
- connivingSecretly planning wrongdoing
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
underhanded · crafty · sly · calculating · deceitful · duplicitous · machination · subterfuge
Lovable troublemaker
- rapscallionMischievous person, usually endearing
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
- mischievousPlayfully causing trouble
- knaveDishonest, unprincipled person
lovable · charmer · trickster · picaresque · roguish · scamp · ne'er-do-well · rakish
unscrupulous
Lacking moral principles
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- unprincipledLacking moral standards
unethical · crooked · shameful · disgraceful · disreputable · immoral · sordid · low · shady · untrustworthy
nefarious
Extremely evil or villainous
despicable · malevolent · sinister · diabolical · fiendish · heinous · treacherous · malicious · cruel · monstrous
cunning
Sly, scheming cleverness
- deviousUnderhanded and calculating
- connivingSecretly planning wrongdoing
- plottingDevising a secret plan
manipulative · underhanded · crafty · sly · calculating · deceitful · duplicitous · machination · subterfuge · chicanery
rascal
Lovable troublemaker
- rapscallionMischievous person, usually endearing
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
- mischievousPlayfully causing trouble
knave · lovable · charmer · trickster · picaresque · roguish · scamp · ne'er-do-well · rakish · impish
scoundrellyhonorable
Having high moral standards
noble · impeccable · dignified · chivalrous · gallant