Machiavellian
adjective /ˌmækiəˈveliən/
/ˌmækiəˈveliən/
(formal, disapproving)- using clever plans to achieve what you want, without people realizing what you are doing synonym cunning, unscrupulous
- Machiavellian manipulation
- There were press accusations of Machiavellian deception.
Word OriginFrom the name of Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian politician (1469–1527), who explained in his book The Prince that it was often necessary for rulers to use immoral methods in order to achieve power and success.