What is unprincipled? Pronunciation and usage in English

unprincipled means . Learn how to pronounce and use unprincipled through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unprincipled

unprincipledadjective

/ʌnˈprɪnsəpld//ʌnˈprɪnsəpld/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unprincipled." Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ʌnˈprɪn.sɪp.əld/

Breakdown:

  • un-: Pronounced like "uhn" - a short, open "uh" sound (like in "under")
  • prin-: Pronounced like "prin" - similar to the word "print" but slightly shorter and more clipped.
  • cip-: Pronounced like "sihp" - “sih” as in “sit” and “p” as in “pen”
  • ə-: This is a schwa sound – a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It's often difficult to hear, but it’s crucial to keep this sound neutral.
  • ld: Pronounced like "uld" – like the "uld" in "should"

Putting it together, it sounds like this:

Un (like “uhn”) - prin (like “prin”) - sip (like “sihp”) - uh (short, neutral “uh”) - ld (like “uld”)

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: ˈprɪn. This means you should emphasize that syllable slightly more than the others.
  • Don't over-emphasize "prin": It’s a clipped sound, not a drawn-out one.
  • Schwa Sound: The "ə" sound in the middle is key. It’s the most relaxed vowel sound you can make.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you variations in pronunciation (though they're rare)?

Usage and examples with the word unprincipled in English

Let's break down how to use the word "unprincipled" effectively in English.

1. Meaning:

"Unprincipled" describes someone or something lacking moral principles, ethics, or standards. It implies a willingness to do whatever is necessary, regardless of what's considered right or wrong. It suggests a disregard for rules, fairness, and honesty.

2. Parts of Speech & How it Fits Into a Sentence:

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. You'll use it to describe a person, action, or idea.
    • Example: "His unprincipled behavior led to the downfall of his career." (Describing a person's behavior)
    • Example: "The company's unprincipled tactics were designed to exploit consumers." (Describing a company’s actions)
    • Example: "She found the political campaign utterly unprincipled." (Describing an idea or campaign)

3. Common Phrases & Constructions:

  • "Unprincipled manner": Focuses on a way of doing something. “He acted in an unprincipled manner.”
  • "Unprincipled motives": Highlights the reason behind an action. “She suspected he had unprincipled motives for wanting the promotion.”
  • "Unprincipled ambition": Points to excessive desire for power or success without regard to moral considerations. “His unprincipled ambition drove him to betray his friends.”

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Immoral
  • Unethical
  • Amoral
  • Dishonest
  • Selfish
  • Ruthless
  • Deceitful
  • Greedy
  • Without scruples

5. Examples in Context (Showing Different Uses):

  • Negative: "The politician's unprincipled promises were clearly aimed at gaining votes, not addressing real problems."
  • Critical: "Critics argued that the film’s plot was unprincipled—full of improbable twists and turns designed purely for entertainment."
  • Descriptive: "The detective found the suspect to be unprincipled, willing to lie and manipulate to escape justice.”
  • Referring to a System: "The system itself was unprincipled, favoring the wealthy and powerful."

6. Things to Watch Out For:

  • Strong Word: “Unprincipled” is a fairly strong accusation. Be sure you have a good reason to use it, as it can sound harsh.
  • Specificity: Consider if a more specific word might be appropriate. Instead of “unprincipled,” you might use “dishonest,” “corrupt,” or “selfish,” depending on the precise nuance you want to convey.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "unprincipled"? (e.g., write a story, give an opinion, analyze a situation?)
  • Can you give me a sentence you'd like to improve, or a specific situation you want to describe?

Synonyms for the word unprincipled

Practice with vocabulary unprincipled

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's decision to manipulate financial reports was widely condemned as an ________ act, prioritizing personal profit over shareholder trust.
  2. Despite the clear ethical guidelines, the salesperson engaged in ________ tactics to secure the deal, misleading several potential clients.
  3. The research team maintained ________ standards throughout the study, ensuring all data was collected and analyzed with utmost integrity.
  4. Facing intense public scrutiny, the government official offered a ________ explanation for the scandal, which did little to quell the outrage.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a person who consistently acts without moral standards, often for personal benefit, disregarding others' well-being? a) principled b) honorable c) unprincipled d) scrupulous e) ethical

  2. A leader who abuses power, manipulates subordinates, and frequently breaks promises for personal gain could be characterized as: a) trustworthy b) magnanimous c) unprincipled d) upright e) unscrupulous

  3. The company's decision to knowingly sell faulty products and then deny responsibility was widely seen as a(n) ________ move. a) commendable b) unprincipled c) ethical d) moral e) dishonest

  4. Which word best describes someone who lacks any sense of right or wrong, often due to a psychological condition, rather than deliberately choosing to be bad? a) unprincipled b) immoral c) amoral d) unethical e) conscience-stricken

  5. To act in a way that shows great attention to detail and a desire to be extremely thorough and careful, especially in financial matters. a) reckless b) meticulous c) haphazard d) conscientious e) principled

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His actions in the corporate takeover showed a complete disregard for ethical standards. Rewrite the sentence using "unprincipled" or a related word form.

  2. The journalist fabricated evidence to discredit his opponent, showing a severe lack of moral integrity. Rewrite the sentence using "unprincipled" or a related word form.

  3. The CEO was widely criticized for his underhanded dealings and dishonest business practices. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement for "unprincipled" (do not use "unprincipled").

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's decision to manipulate financial reports was widely condemned as an unprincipled act, prioritizing personal profit over shareholder trust.
  2. Despite the clear ethical guidelines, the salesperson engaged in unprincipled tactics to secure the deal, misleading several potential clients.
  3. The research team maintained rigorous standards throughout the study, ensuring all data was collected and analyzed with utmost integrity.
  4. Facing intense public scrutiny, the government official offered a vague explanation for the scandal, which did little to quell the outrage.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) unprincipled
  2. c) unprincipled, e) unscrupulous
  3. b) unprincipled, e) dishonest
  4. c) amoral
  5. b) meticulous, d) conscientious

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His unprincipled actions in the corporate takeover showed a complete disregard for ethical standards. (or: His actions in the corporate takeover were utterly unprincipled, showing a complete disregard for ethical standards.)
  2. The journalist engaged in unprincipled tactics, fabricating evidence to discredit his opponent, showing a severe lack of moral integrity. (or: The journalist's act of fabricating evidence to discredit his opponent was highly unprincipled.)
  3. The CEO was widely criticized for his corrupt dealings and dishonest business practices. (or: ... his deceitful dealings...)

Comment ()