What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scandal
Example
The politician's scandalous affair was all over the news. [scandalous: adjective]
Example
The company's financial scandal led to a loss of trust from its customers. [scandal: noun]
controversy
Example
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture. [controversy: noun]
Example
The new policy sparked controversy among employees who felt it was unfair. [controversial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scandal and controversy are both commonly used in everyday language, but scandal is more associated with high-profile events or situations that attract widespread attention, while controversy can arise from any topic or issue that has opposing views.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scandal and controversy?
Both scandal and controversy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but scandal may be more associated with a negative or sensational tone, while controversy can be used in a more neutral or objective way.
