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
• falsehood
• mendaciousness
• mendacity
• untruthfulness

Examples of dishonesty in a Sentence

Are you accusing him of dishonesty?

her dishonesty about what happened

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite these broad areas of agreement, many Americans are still on high alert for potential dishonesty. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

This type of insurance safeguards your business against losses resulting from employee dishonesty, theft or embezzlement. —Murali Thalluri, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Moore’s radical departure from his own 2023 assessment demonstrates a dishonesty and expediency that represents the antithesis of Maryland’s sharp but collegial politics under Hogan and his Democratic colleagues. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025

But the thought of a person who spreads the kind of dishonesty, quackery and junk science that Kennedy habitually does — especially about our precious kiddos — is nothing short of stomach churning. —S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 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