bogus

adjective

bo·​gus ˈbō-gəs 

: not genuine : counterfeit, sham

a bogus claim

The evidence was completely bogus.

bogusly adverb

bogusness noun

Did you know?

Bogus Has a Long History

In the early 19th century, a "bogus" was a machine used to make counterfeit coins. No one knows for sure how this coin-copying contraption got its name, but before long bogus became a name for funny money or for a fraudulent imitation of any kind. The more common "phony" adjective followed.

Synonyms

• artificial
• dummy
• ersatz
• factitious
• fake
• false
• faux
• imitation
• imitative
• man-made
• mimic
• mock
• pretend
• sham
• simulated
• substitute
• synthetic

Examples of bogus in a Sentence

It was just a bogus claim.

The evidence was completely bogus.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cops arrested four individuals from New Jersey linked to the bogus fundraisers. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024

Phishing Susceptibility Phishing attacks, which involve hackers stealing passwords from users via bogus websites or emails, are a significant issue with passwords. —Mark Vena, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Chase Bank has given the following tips to help customers identify bogus websites and avoid becoming victims of fraud: Study the URL and address bar of a website. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Scammers make money through fake ad clicks, bogus surveys and affiliate links, while also spreading malware by tricking users into downloading harmful software or extensions. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete argot bogus counterfeit money

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

bogus

adjective

bo·​gus ˈbō-gəs 

: not genuine : counterfeit, sham