Words / C2

mak-ee-uh-VEL-eern/ˌmækiəˈvelɪən/

Machiavellian means cunning and unscrupulous in pursuit of power, after Niccolò Machiavelli: a Machiavellian leak, Machiavellian tactics. Cunning is everyday; unscrupulous is the moral charge. Capital M is usual. The historical book is more nuanced than the adjective. Do not call a clear, hard negotiation Machiavellian without deceit.

Meaning

Cunning and unscrupulous in the pursuit of power, after Machiavelli.

Examples

• “A Machiavellian leak framed a rival and spared the real author.”
• “A Machiavellian timing of the leak framed a rival and saved the real author.”
• “Cunning can be chess; Machiavellian implies power-play with few scruples. Capital M is the safe exam form.”

Good to know

Politically cunning and ruthless (usually capital M). Everyday: cunning. Moral: unscrupulous. Not every tough bargain. History ≠ the adjective.

Near in meaning

cunning

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