dishonest

adjective

dis·​hon·​est (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nəst 

 also  (ˌ)diz-

1

obsolete : shameful, unchaste

2

: characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : unfair, deceptive

dishonestly adverb

Synonyms

• lying
• mendacious
• untruthful

Choose the Right Synonym for dishonest

dishonest, deceitful, mendacious, untruthful mean unworthy of trust or belief.

dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths.

mendacious tales of adventure

untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

Examples of dishonest in a Sentence

She gave dishonest answers to our questions.

I think he is being dishonest about how much he knows

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as Theranos’ success was built on lies and ultimately collapsed under its own weight, companies and individuals that rise by dishonest means are playing a short-term game. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Biden admin called out for longstanding lie about pardoning Hunter: 'Most dishonest admin in history'. —Fox News, 2 Dec. 2024

Let it not be said that Conclave, the new film about the selection of a new pope from director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and screenwriter Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), is dishonest. —Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024

According to the petition, the Canadian rapper, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, claimed the label used dishonest tactics to increase the number of listeners for Lamar's song on Spotify and radio stations. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deshoneste, from des- dis- + honeste honest

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dishonest

adjective

dis·​hon·​est (ˈ)dis-ˈän-əst 

: not honest or trustworthy : deceitful

dishonest people

dishonestly adverb