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

• deceit
• deceitfulness
• falsehood
• mendaciousness
• mendacity
• untruthfulness

Examples of dishonesty in a Sentence

Are you accusing him of dishonesty?

her dishonesty about what happened

Recent Examples on the Web

Political Gaslighting Political gaslighting is a form of dishonesty that distracts or confuses public opinion about a political issue, according to political communications researchers. —Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

For example, talking about a co-worker's dishonesty or whether children are safe around someone—though disparaging toward that individual—may have widespread benefit, McAndrew said. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 28 Mar. 2025

In April 2021, state prosecutors said, Teran sent court records related to roughly three dozen deputies to a subordinate to evaluate for possible inclusion in internal databases that prosecutors use to track officers accused of dishonesty and other misconduct. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025

The Hill: Republicans’ dishonesty on deficit reduction. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025

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