1. people who are blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Usage: plural of scapegoat

Examples

• The junior employees became scapegoats for the company’s financial losses.
• Politicians often use scapegoats to deflect criticism from their own policies.
• The coach made the players scapegoats for the team’s poor performance.
• Immigrants are frequently used as scapegoats during economic downturns.
• The manager refused to let his team become scapegoats for upper management’s mistakes.
• History shows that minority groups have often served as scapegoats during times of crisis.