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

Examples of dishonesty in a Sentence

Are you accusing him of dishonesty?

her dishonesty about what happened

Recent Examples on the Web

The arrival of sophisticated AI might, at first glance, seem like a threat to genuine learning, potentially reducing the need for deep thought or even enabling widespread academic dishonesty. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Eleanor’s dishonesty puts her in more precarious situations, including having to speak to journalism students about ethical storytelling and a local news channel’s interest in airing a segment about her. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025

Some of her most prominent studies have been centered on dishonesty. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 27 May 2025

For me, the answer now lies in refusal, the withdrawal of participation from systems that require dishonesty as the price of belonging. —Alondra Nelson, Time, 13 May 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