The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

scandalous

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Dictionary definition of scandalous

Shocking, morally offensive, or disgraceful, often involving behavior or actions that go against accepted norms or principles.
"The manager’s scandalous misuse of funds led to his immediate dismissal."

Detailed meaning of scandalous

When something is described as scandalous, it implies that it attracts public attention due to its controversial, improper, or unethical nature. Scandalous events or behaviors typically involve a breach of trust, betrayal, or a violation of established social, moral, or legal standards. Such situations can cause outrage, controversy, or damage to one's reputation. Scandalous acts may involve individuals, organizations, or public figures and often result in public scrutiny, condemnation, or legal repercussions. The term carries a strong negative connotation and suggests a significant departure from expected standards of behavior, often leading to widespread public disapproval or condemnation.

Example sentences containing scandalous

1. The newspaper published a scandalous article about the mayor's secret life.
2. His scandalous behavior at the party left everyone in shock and disbelief.
3. She wore a scandalous dress that turned heads and raised eyebrows.
4. The company was involved in a scandalous financial scheme that ruined many lives.
5. Rumors spread about the actress’s scandalous affair with her co-star.
6. The politician's scandalous past was brought to light during the election campaign.

History and etymology of scandalous

The adjective 'scandalous' finds its etymological roots in the Middle English word 'scandalouse,' which was borrowed from the Old French term 'scandaleux.' Old French, in turn, derived its word from the Late Latin 'scandalosus,' which stemmed from the earlier Greek word 'skandalon,' meaning 'stumbling block' or 'offense.' In its original Greek context, 'skandalon' referred to a trap or obstacle that caused someone to stumble, both literally and metaphorically. Over time, this notion of something causing moral or social offense became prominent, and 'scandalous' came to describe actions or behavior that were shocking, morally offensive, or disgraceful, often going against accepted norms or principles. The etymology of 'scandalous' thus reflects the historical evolution of the word, from physical stumbling blocks to moral and social transgressions.

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Further usage examples of scandalous

1. The book exposed the scandalous inner workings of the Hollywood elite.
2. The neighborhood was rocked by the scandalous events that unfolded that summer.
3. The journalist won an award for uncovering a scandalous human trafficking operation.
4. The school’s administration was under fire for the scandalous handling of the bullying incident.
5. The scandalous revelations in her autobiography made it an overnight bestseller.
6. Her scandalous remarks left everyone in the room utterly speechless and offended.
7. It was a scandalous affair that rocked the small, conservative town to its core.
8. The mayor's scandalous actions became front page news, shocking the whole city.
9. A scandalous dress worn at the event sparked intense debate on decency norms.
10. His scandalous book, full of shocking revelations, was banned in several countries.
11. The senator's scandalous past was exposed, leading to a hasty resignation.
12. Their scandalous love affair was the secret everyone in the town whispered about.
13. The film's scandalous content led to a heated and public censorship battle.
14. Uncovering the CEO’s scandalous deals led to a plummet in stock prices.
15. A scandalous revelation about the judge turned the trial into a media circus.
16. The artist's scandalous painting caused an uproar in the conservative community.
17. She wore a scandalous outfit to the formal event, defying all expected norms.
18. The politician made a scandalous comment that went viral, sparking outrage.
19. Scandalous rumors about the actor spread like wildfire, damaging his reputation.
20. Their scandalous behavior at the royal event made headlines around the world.
21. A scandalous scene in the play provoked walkouts and calls for censorship.
22. The CEO's scandalous conduct in meetings was leaked, shocking employees.
23. The novel’s scandalous themes were deemed too controversial for mainstream audiences.
24. They indulged in scandalous activities, triggering public outrage and disdain.
25. A scandalous exposé revealed the truth, shaking the foundations of the institution.