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.
The problem isn’t that my girlfriend wouldn’t get to go, but the disrespect and dishonesty of uninviting her out of the blue and trying to cover it up as being a genuine mistake. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 In the end, many of the investigations could not be pursued because his accusers did not sign formal complaints, and some complaints, including those that involved allegations of dishonesty, were not sustained by police oversight officials. Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 Oct. 2025 Fear of uncomfortable conversations creates cultures of dishonesty, making innovation impossible. Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Smee’s traumatized both by Arthur’s sudden death and Slightly’s dishonesty. Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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 21 Oct. 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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