Main Entry:

dis·hon·est

Pronunciation:

\(ˌ)dis-ˈä-nəst also (ˌ)diz-\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

1obsolete : shameful, unchaste2: characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : unfair, deceptive

— dis·hon·est·ly adverb

synonyms 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>.