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

“We have always been aware that we are up against a celebrity in this matter and, while it might be easy to make those charged and disingenuous claims and amplify them, it does not change the fact that Dr. Sophy has pursued legal action solely because of Mr. Young’s consistent pattern of behavior,” Frost said, adding that Sophy remains committed to his lawsuit despite Tuesday’s ruling.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s campaign of fear against transgender people — because that’s what it is — is disgusting, disingenuous and dangerous.

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

Related Words

• deceitful
• dishonest
• false
• unfair