ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cheated

v. · adj.
US //ˈtʃitəd// UK //tʃˈiːtɪd// cheat·ed
  1. 1 acted dishonestly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used a trick or broke a rule to win or get something.

    acted dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, examination, or financial matter.

    Example

    He cheated on the history test by looking at his phone under the desk.

    Example

    The athlete was stripped of his gold medal after officials discovered he had cheated by using banned substances during the training season.
    • played fair
    Pitfall
    He cheated to the exam.
    He cheated on the exam.

    Use the preposition 'on' for exams or tests, and 'at' for games.

  2. 2 unfaithful in a relationship (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    was unfaithful to a husband, wife, or partner.

    engaged in a sexual or romantic relationship with someone other than one's established partner.

    Example

    She felt heartbroken when she found out that her boyfriend had cheated on her.

    Example

    The marriage collapsed quickly once it became public knowledge that he had cheated on his wife with a close family friend.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'on' before the person who was betrayed.
  3. 3 feeling tricked (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling that you have been treated unfairly or that someone took something from you by lying.

    describing the state of having been defrauded or deprived of something through deception.

    Example

    I felt cheated when the car I bought broke down only two days later.

    Example

    The investors felt cheated after the company's annual report revealed that millions of dollars had been hidden in offshore accounts.

Last updated June 20, 2026