schemer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to informal, but more common in written or narrative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “schemer” mean?
A person who makes secret and dishonest plans to gain some personal advantage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who makes secret and dishonest plans to gain some personal advantage.
More broadly, someone who is clever at planning things, often with an emphasis on ingenuity and detailed plotting, which can range from harmless mischief to serious manipulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Slightly more literary/archaic feel in both, but equally understood. No connotative divergence.
Frequency
Similar, moderate frequency in both. Possibly a slight uptick in British usage due to historical/political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “schemer” in a Sentence
NP (be) a ~NP (label/call) NP a ~NP (describe/portray) NP as a ~NP (suspect) NP (of being) a ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “schemer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was caught scheming to get his colleague sacked.
- They spent months scheming how to avoid the new regulations.
American English
- She schemed her way to the top of the corporate ladder.
- The villains schemed to take over the city.
adverb
British English
- He worked schemingly behind the scenes. (Rare, awkward)
- She smiled schemingly. (Rare)
American English
- He acted schemingly to undermine his rivals. (Rare, literary)
- The character is portrayed schemingly. (Rare)
adjective
British English
- His scheming nature eventually cost him all his friends. (Present participle as adjective)
- She gave him a scheming look.
American English
- He was known for his scheming mind.
- The movie features a scheming antagonist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe someone who manipulates office politics for promotion.
Academic
Used in political science or history to describe courtiers or politicians plotting for power.
Everyday
Used to describe someone in a social group who is always planning things for their own benefit, often with mild disapproval.
Technical
Not a technical term; not used in specific fields like computing or engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “schemer”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “schemer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “schemer”
- Incorrect: 'He is a good schemer for our project.' (Use 'planner' or 'organiser').
- Incorrect spelling: 'schemmer'.
- Overuse in contexts that require a neutral term like 'strategist'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost always. It implies dishonesty, secrecy, and self-interest. In very rare, humorous, or admiring contexts, it might be used to describe clever ingenuity, but the negative undertone remains.
A 'strategist' is neutral or positive, focusing on open, skilful planning for an often shared goal (e.g., business strategy). A 'schemer' is negative, focusing on secretive, manipulative planning for personal gain.
No. The verb is 'to scheme'. 'Schemer' is the agent noun for a person who schemes.
It occupies a middle ground. It is acceptable in formal writing (e.g., political analysis, historical texts) but is also common in informal conversation and narrative fiction.
A person who makes secret and dishonest plans to gain some personal advantage.
Schemer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskiː.mər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskiː.mɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A schemer in the shadows”
- “A palace full of schemers”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'He SCHEMES more, so he's a SCHEMER.' The double 'E' is like two eyes looking for an opportunity.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME / POLITICS IS A THEATRE. A schemer is a 'player' in a game of strategy or an 'actor' in a drama of intrigue.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core connotation of 'schemer'?