dishonesty

noun

dis·​hon·​es·​ty (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nə-stē How to pronounce dishonesty (audio)
 also  (ˌ)diz-
1
: lack of honesty or integrity : disposition to defraud or deceive
2
: a dishonest act : fraud

Example Sentences

Are you accusing him of dishonesty? her dishonesty about what happened
Recent Examples on the Web Those violations were in his capacity as Maricopa County Attorney and included conflicts of interest, dishonesty, misrepresentation and abuse of power for filing charges against county officials with the sole purpose of embarrassing or burdening them. Elena Santa Cruz, USA TODAY, 10 May 2023 There is Zahra, who moved from the Chicago area to help start an African-nationalist group, got fed up with the would-be leader’s dishonesty and his half-finished home, squatted elsewhere in the flats for six months, and then fell in love with a white rancher who grew up in the valley. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2022 The case became a symbol for widespread impunity, dishonesty, and lack of care for victims in the Mexican justice system. Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2022 My question is: What should be my reaction to this level of dishonesty? Annie Lane, oregonlive, 11 Dec. 2022 But many lawmakers were not satisfied, accusing the firm of dishonesty and failing to take responsibility for the prison break. Larry Madowo, CNN, 12 Apr. 2023 Cases alleging dishonesty on the bar application are somewhat rare, but there have been several over the last two decades. Andrew Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2022 Millennials are very good at spotting insincerity and dishonesty. Shirl Penney, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2023 Federal authorities argued that a judge overseeing FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings should appoint an examiner to review allegations of fraud, dishonesty, and mismanagement. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dishonesty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishonesty was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near dishonesty

Cite this Entry

“Dishonesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishonesty. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

dishonesty

noun
dis·​hon·​es·​ty (ˈ)dis-ˈän-ə-stē How to pronounce dishonesty (audio)
: lack of honesty : the quality of being dishonest

More from Merriam-Webster on dishonesty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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