Scruple

A scruple is a feeling of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality or propriety of a course of action. It often embodies a sense of ethical responsibility or concern about the implications of one's decisions, leading a person to consider the rightness or wrongness of their actions. Scruples can serve as a moral compass that prevents individuals from making choices that conflict with their values or beliefs.

Scruple meaning with examples

• Despite the lucrative offer, she had scruples about working for a company that exploited its workers. Her inner voice urged her to consider the ethical implications of her choices, steering her away from paths that, while financially rewarding, did not align with her principles.
• As he prepared to invest in the fast-fashion industry, his scruples grew stronger. He found himself questioning the environmental impact and exploitation of labor involved in creating disposable clothing, leading him to reconsider where he placed his financial support.
• Her scruples emerged when her colleagues suggested bending the rules to maximize profits. She felt an ethical conflict arise within her, knowing that compromising integrity for financial gain would leave a taint on their collective reputation.
• The journalist's scruples prevented him from publishing false information that could slander an innocent individual's name. He was dedicated to truthfulness in reporting, even if it meant sacrificing sensationalism and the allure of breaking news.
• While planning the charity event, her scruples kicked in again when deciding which beneficiaries to support. She carefully weighed the impact of each organization, determined to ensure her efforts contributed to truly deserving causes, avoiding any possibility of misallocation of resources.