dishonesty

noun

dis·​hon·​es·​ty (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nə-stē 

also (ˌ)diz-

1

: lack of honesty or integrity : disposition to defraud or deceive

2

: a dishonest act : fraud

Synonyms of dishonesty

• deceit
• deceitfulness

Examples of dishonesty in a Sentence

Are you accusing him of dishonesty?

her dishonesty about what happened

Recent Examples on the Web

Independents said the worst thing about Republicans was their loyalty to Trump (10%), perceptions of corruption and self-enrichment (8%), dishonesty, hypocrisy or immorality (7%), a lack of concern for ordinary people or cruelty (6%), and ineffective and weak or unqualified leadership (5%). —Emily Guskin, ABC News, 27 May 2026

Twenty years ago, sticking with the education example, the internet ramped up dishonesty. —Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

The captain then filed a complaint with internal affairs against Steward 15 days later, alleging dishonesty and bias. —Ben Wheeler may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026

While interest in stakeholder capitalism ebbed amid an ESG backlash and other issues, moral leadership has become increasingly important in an atmosphere of growing distrust, dishonesty, and divisiveness. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dishonesty

• honesty

Kids Definition

dishonesty

noun

dis·​hon·​es·​ty (ˈ)dis-ˈän-ə-stē 

: lack of honesty : the quality of being dishonest