dishonesty

[ dis-on-uh-stee ]

noun

, plural dis·hon·es·ties.

1. lack of honesty; a disposition to lie, cheat, or steal.
2. a dishonest act; fraud.

dishonesty

/ dɪsˈɒnɪstɪ /

noun

1. lack of honesty or fairness; deceit
2. a deceiving act or statement; fraud

Word History and Origins

Origin of dishonesty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, dishonesty is from the Middle English word deshonestee. See dis- ¹, honesty

Example Sentences

Allowing social media platforms to publish disinformation, often anonymously, promotes dishonesty and maximizes profits for those platforms at the expense of the audience they exploit.

From Salon

The organisation will consider whether to revoke an award for "proven dishonesty, and the very rare instance of a winner being convicted of a serious criminal offence resulting in a prison sentence".

From BBC

The dishonesty of this response is irritating, of course.

From Salon

It would make it illegal for someone to pressure, coerce or use dishonesty to get someone to make a declaration that they wish to end their life or to induce someone to self-administer an approved substance.

From BBC

“There has been a fundamental dishonesty about immigration policy,” says Anand Menon, Professor of European Politics at King’s College London.

From BBC

Related Words

• chicanery
• corruption
• criminality
• deceit
• duplicity
• falsehood
• fraud
• graft
• infidelity
• mendacity
• treachery
• trickery