dishonesty

noun

dis·​hon·​es·​ty (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nə-stē How to pronounce dishonesty (audio)
 also  (ˌ)diz-
1
: lack of honesty or integrity : disposition to defraud or deceive
2
: a dishonest act : fraud

Examples of dishonesty in a Sentence

Are you accusing him of dishonesty? her dishonesty about what happened
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moore’s radical departure from his own 2023 assessment demonstrates a dishonesty and expediency that represents the antithesis of Maryland’s sharp but collegial politics under Hogan and his Democratic colleagues. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025 But the thought of a person who spreads the kind of dishonesty, quackery and junk science that Kennedy habitually does — especially about our precious kiddos — is nothing short of stomach churning. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025 Rather than discussing the inadequacies, dishonesty, and plain bad art of The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, the trade press perpetuates the hubbub as a technological crisis. Armond White, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025 Comer accused Raskin of dishonesty and abuse of power in investigating Trump for years and leading the second impeachment inquiry. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dishonesty 

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishonesty was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near dishonesty

Cite this Entry

“Dishonesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishonesty. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

dishonesty

noun
dis·​hon·​es·​ty (ˈ)dis-ˈän-ə-stē How to pronounce dishonesty (audio)
: lack of honesty : the quality of being dishonest

More from Merriam-Webster on dishonesty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!