What is the difference between underhanded and unscrupulous?

Definitions

underhanded

- Describing a sneaky or deceitful action that is done secretly or in a hidden way.

- Referring to a dishonest or unethical behavior that is intended to deceive or mislead someone.

- Talking about a sly or cunning action that is not straightforward or honest.

unscrupulous

- Referring to a person who has no moral principles and is willing to do anything to achieve their goals.

- Describing an action or behavior that is unethical, immoral, or illegal.

- Talking about a person who lacks integrity and is willing to deceive or exploit others for personal gain.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe actions or behaviors that are dishonest or unethical.
• 2. Both words suggest a lack of integrity or moral principles.
• 3. Both words imply a certain level of sneakiness or deception.
• 4. Both words have negative connotations and are used to criticize someone's actions or behavior.

What is the difference?

• 1. Scope: Underhanded refers to specific actions or behaviors that are sneaky or deceitful, while unscrupulous describes a person's overall character or behavior.
• 2. Intent: Underhanded suggests an intention to deceive or mislead someone, while unscrupulous implies a willingness to act without regard for ethical or moral principles.
• 3. Severity: Unscrupulous is a stronger word than underhanded and implies a more serious breach of ethics or morality.
• 4. Usage: Underhanded is more commonly used in everyday language, while unscrupulous is more formal and less frequently used.
• 5. Connotation: Underhanded can sometimes be associated with cleverness or resourcefulness, while unscrupulous is always negative and implies a lack of integrity.

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Remember this!

Underhanded and unscrupulous are synonyms that describe actions or behaviors that are dishonest or unethical. However, underhanded refers to specific actions that are sneaky or deceitful, while unscrupulous describes a person's overall character or behavior. Additionally, unscrupulous is a stronger word that implies a more serious breach of ethics or morality, and it is less commonly used than underhanded.