What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sleazy
Example
The motel had a sleazy reputation for attracting unsavory characters. [sleazy: adjective]
Example
She wore a sleazy dress that barely covered her body. [sleazy: adjective]
Example
The politician was involved in a sleazy scandal that tarnished his reputation. [sleazy: adjective]
unscrupulous
Example
The unscrupulous salesman lied to customers to make a sale. [unscrupulous: adjective]
Example
The company engaged in unscrupulous practices to increase profits. [unscrupulous: adjective]
Example
The lawyer was disbarred for his unscrupulous conduct in the courtroom. [unscrupulous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unscrupulous is more commonly used than sleazy in everyday language. Unscrupulous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sleazy is less common and refers to a specific type of negative quality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sleazy and unscrupulous?
Unscrupulous is more formal than sleazy. While sleazy is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, unscrupulous can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.