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

In 2024, the agency advises taxpayers and businesses to be especially on the lookout for bogus tax avoidance strategies, fake charities and scammers impersonating the IRS through phishing emails and smishing text messages. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Addressing the faith leaders, Adams said the rumors are bogus. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025

His bogus claims of U.S. government backing were among many lies. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025

As part of that scheme, the government claims that the defendants provided false supporting information with their applications, including bogus tax forms. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

obsolete argot bogus counterfeit money

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

bogus

adjective

bo·​gus ˈbō-gəs 

: not genuine : counterfeit, sham