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

Examples of dishonesty in a Sentence

Are you accusing him of dishonesty? her dishonesty about what happened
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another may view the same history somewhat negatively, as evidence of dishonesty and unreliability. Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Johnson’s dishonesty doesn’t even take into consideration the carnage from the homicides of yesteryear in the Windy City. Christopher Tremoglie, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 My sign language instructor once told me that there’s dishonesty in words. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025 In today's online culture, dishonesty gets amplified. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonesty

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishonesty was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Dishonesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishonesty. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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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