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Which word would best align with lacking moral principles?

  1. Scrupulous

  2. Ethical

  3. Principled

  4. Unscrupulous

The correct answer is: Unscrupulous

The term that best aligns with lacking moral principles is "unscrupulous." This word is used to describe individuals or actions that disregard ethical considerations or act without a sense of right and wrong. When someone is termed unscrupulous, it indicates that they may engage in behavior that is self-serving, deceptive, or exploitative, showing no concern for morality or the consequences of their actions on others. In contrast, the other words provided, such as scrupulous, ethical, and principled, all carry positive connotations relating to morality and adherence to ethical standards. Scrupulous describes someone who is diligent and principled, paying attention to moral details, while ethical refers to behavior consistent with morally acceptable standards. Principled also points to someone with strong morals and values. Therefore, "unscrupulous" is the clear choice for indicating a lack of moral principles.