Machiavellian

adjective

Ma·​chi·​a·​vel·​lian ˌma-kē-ə-ˈve-lē-ən 

-ˈvel-yən

1

: of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism

2

: suggesting the principles of conduct laid down by Machiavelli

specifically : marked by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith

He relied on Machiavellian tactics to get elected.

Machiavellian noun

Did you know?

Machiavellian and Other Bad Behavior

While inspiring an eponym may seem like a fine way to achieve linguistic immortality, it must be said that many words taken from people’s names are not terribly complimentary. Machiavellian comes from the Italian political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), the author of the most famous treatise on bare-knuckled politics ever published, The Prince. Other less-than-laudatory English eponyms include the verb burke, after William Burke, a 19th century Irish criminal famous for smothering people and selling their bodies to be dissected; dunce, from John Duns Scotus, whose writings were widely ridiculed in the 16th century; and boycott, from Charles C. Boycott, a land manager in 19th century Ireland who was himself boycotted for charging high rents.

Synonyms

• cutthroat
• immoral
• unconscionable
• unethical
• unprincipled
• unscrupulous

Examples of Machiavellian in a Sentence

a Machiavellian battle for control of the company

yet another tale of a power-mad dictator with a Machiavellian plan to take over the world

Word History

Etymology

Niccolo Machiavelli

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Machiavellian

adjective

Ma·​chi·​a·​vel·​lian ˌmak-ē-ə-ˈvel-ē-ən 

-ˈvel-yən

1

: of or relating to the belief that a ruler is justified in using any means to stay in power

2

: characterized by dishonesty or trickery

Machiavellian noun

Machiavellianism

-ˌiz-əm

noun

Etymology

named for Niccolo Machiavelli 1469–1527 an Italian political leader