adjective
scandalous
SKAN-duh-luhs/ˈskændələs/
Causing outrage or strong disapproval by being disgraceful or unjust.
The official's hidden payment is scandalous to the shocked witnesses.
Etymology
A scandalum was a stumbling block or cause of offense, including moral offense. Scandalous describes conduct that creates such offense—behavior felt to be disgraceful or shameful.
In context
the images nowadays look really tame. Nobody thinks anything of it. But at the time they were scandalous
More examples
- Residents call the misuse of public money scandalous.
- It is scandalous that full-time workers cannot afford food.
- The mayor's scandalous behavior costs her the public's trust.
Forms
scandalous
scandal noun — Behavior or events causing widespread public outrage.
scandalously adverb — In a shockingly disgraceful or unjust way.
Similar words
- outrageous
- Emphasizes extreme unacceptability, not necessarily disgrace or moral wrongdoing.
- disgraceful
- Emphasizes shameful conduct rather than the outrage it causes.
- shocking
- Can describe disturbing surprises without implying wrongdoing or injustice.