What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underhanded
Example
The politician used underhanded tactics to win the election. [underhanded: adjective]
Example
She underhandedly took credit for her colleague's work. [underhandedly: adverb]
unscrupulous
Example
The unscrupulous businessman cheated his clients out of their money. [unscrupulous: adjective]
Example
She acted unscrupulously by stealing from her employer. [unscrupulously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underhanded is more commonly used in everyday language than unscrupulous. It is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while unscrupulous is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underhanded and unscrupulous?
Unscrupulous is a more formal word than underhanded, and it is typically used in more serious or professional contexts. Underhanded is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
