Scoundrel Meaning
/ˈskaʊ̯ndɹəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA mean, worthless fellow; a rascal; a villain; a person without honor or virtue.
Sentence Examples
Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
What a scoundrel you are!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The nasty ____ tricked the poor old woman out of her savings.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The villain was portrayed as an unrepentant ____ who cheated everyone he met.
Word Origin & History
From earlier scondrel, scondrell, skoundrell, skowndrell, of unknown origin. Possibly related to northern English or Scottish scunner, skuner, scouner, scunder (“to shrink back in fear, disgust, or loathing”) (Encyclopædia Britannica 1911).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Go! if your ancient but ignoble blood / Has crept thro' Scoundrels ever ſince the Flood."
— 1734, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], epistle IV, London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC, page 14, lines 201–202:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The nasty ____ tricked the poor old woman out of her savings.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The villain was portrayed as an unrepentant ____ who cheated everyone he met.