disingenuous

[ dis-in-jen-yoo-uhs ]

adjective

1. lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity; falsely or hypocritically ingenuous; insincere:

   Her excuse was rather disingenuous.

disingenuous

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs /

adjective

1. not sincere; lacking candour

Derived Forms

• ˌdisinˈgenuousness, noun
• ˌdisinˈgenuously, adverb

Other Words From

• disin·genu·ous·ly adverb
• disin·genu·ous·ness noun
• nondis·in·genu·ous adjective
• nondis·in·genu·ous·ly adverb
• nondis·in·genu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disingenuous¹

First recorded in 1645–55; dis- ¹ + ingenuous

Example Sentences

Still, a little common sense will separate the genuine articles from the disingenuous.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s so disingenuous and it seems cowardly. And I don’t think the paper should be cowardly.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also the disingenuous use of ICE’s data to generate fear of immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

But to ask Harris, “So do you owe them an apology, is what I’m saying?” is disingenuous posturing by a so-called newsman.

From Salon

Some voters found this approach patronising, disingenuous or even smug.

From BBC

Related Words

• deceitful
• dishonest
• false
• unfair