What does miscreant mean?
A miscreant is a person considered to be wicked, dishonest, or villainous. The word is especially associated with language that is literary, archaic, or openly contemptuous, so it usually carries a stronger moral judgment than the neutral term “wrongdoer.” In older religious writing, a miscreant could mean an unbeliever or someone outside the faith, but that sense is now uncommon. Modern usage typically describes a criminal, fraudster, traitor, or other person regarded as morally corrupt. Although the expression “despicable miscreant” has a familiar ring, it can sound melodramatic or humorous, and careful contexts may prefer terms such as “criminal,” “rogue,” or “scoundrel.” The word remains useful when a writer wants to emphasize villainy and contempt rather than merely identify unlawful conduct.
A person regarded as wicked, villainous, or dishonest, especially a criminal or notorious offender.
"The court sentenced the miscreant to a lengthy prison term."
Now mainly literary or archaic; often contemptuous and sometimes intentionally heightened or humorous.
Historically, an unbeliever or a person who did not accept a religious belief.
"The medieval text used the term miscreant for those it regarded as outside the true faith."
Obsolete in ordinary modern usage, but attested in older theological and historical contexts.
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"The authorities issued warrants for several miscreants."
Miscreant began as a theological label: it originally meant an unbeliever before becoming a label for a wicked rogue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miscreant come from?
The word entered English from French miscréant, originally meaning “unbelieving” or “unbeliever.” It was formed from Old French mescroire, “to disbelieve,” using mes-, a prefix expressing a negative or defective sense, and croire, “to believe,” which derives from Latin credere. The original religious sense developed into the modern meaning “a wicked or villainous person,” probably by association with those perceived as morally corrupt or outside the proper faith.
Related word forms
How miscreant is actually used
Chiefly literary, archaic, or deliberately colourful. It is more contemptuous than “wrongdoer” and may sound theatrical, old-fashioned, or even humorous when used for comic effect.
Easily confused with miscreant
A miscreant is a wicked or villainous person, whereas miscreance means disbelief or the absence of faith.