disloyal

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adjective dis·loy·al \ (ˌ)dis-ˈlȯi(-ə)l \

Definition of disloyal

:lacking in loyalty; also :showing an absence of allegiance, devotion, obligation, faith, or support

his disloyal refusal to help his friend

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disloyally

play \-ˈlȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

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Examples of disloyal in a Sentence

It would be disloyal to abandon them.
we sensed that he was disloyal and would eventually turn on us

Recent Examples of disloyal from the Web

Trump highly prizes personal loyalty and had earlier sharply criticized Attorney General Jeff Sessions for actions in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election that Trump saw as disloyal.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Trump 'speaks for himself' on values, Tillerson says," 27 Aug. 2017
First, there's the disloyal argument, in which rats fleeing a sinking ship are attempting to pin blame on the man in charge.

— dan sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Job openings in D.C.," 1 Aug. 2017
In a rapid-fire series of angry messages about the Russia investigation and reporting on its assorted twists and turns, Trump again accused the media and disloyal officials of conspiring against him.

— gregory krieg, CNN, "Trump gets twisted up in his own weird Russia logic," 31 May 2017
Meanwhile, Republicans who did voice openness to an independent investigation risked being tarred as disloyal by members of their own party (most definitely including Trump himself).

— michelle cottle, The Atlantic, "Why Hill Republicans Are Breathing A Sigh of Relief," 20 May 2017
But Trump's own later statements made clear the decision was linked to his frustration that the Russia inquiry was expanding under Comey, a director whom Trump viewed as disloyal.

— greg miller, chicagotribune.com, "Political chaos in Washington is a return on investment for Moscow," 14 May 2017
But Trump’s own later statements made clear the decision was linked to his frustration that the Russia inquiry was expanding under Comey, a director whom Trump viewed as disloyal.

— greg miller, Washington Post, "Political chaos in Washington is a return on investment for Moscow," 14 May 2017
Because to balk, even a bit, would be seen as disloyal to Trump --and that is not allowed.

— gloria borger, CNN, "No one can save Trump from himself," 11 May 2017
Nobody wants to be seen as mentioning any names, because that would be seen as disloyal.

— vanityfair.com, "The G.O.P. Race to Primary Trump Has Already Begun," 5 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disloyal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of disloyal

Middle English, from Anglo-French desleial, desloial, from des- dis- + leal loyal

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First Known Use: 15th century

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disloyal Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of disloyal

faithless, false, disloyal, traitorous, treacherous, perfidious mean untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance. faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty.