ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cheating

n. · adj.
US //ˈtʃitɪŋ// UK //tʃˈiːtɪŋ// cheat·ing
  1. 1 breaking rules (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    behaving dishonestly in a game, test, or competition to win or get a better result.

    the act of violating established rules or norms in a competitive or academic setting to gain an unfair advantage.

    Example

    The teacher warned the students that any cheating would result in a failing grade.

    Example

    Widespread cheating in the professional cycling circuit led to a complete overhaul of the anti-doping regulations and testing protocols.
    Pitfall
    He was caught in cheating during the exam.
    He was caught cheating during the exam.

    When 'cheat' or 'cheating' follows 'caught', do not use the preposition 'in'.

  2. 2 infidelity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a secret romantic or sexual relationship with someone while you are already in a relationship.

    the act of being unfaithful to a romantic partner; a breach of monogamous commitment.

    Example

    She ended the relationship after she discovered his cheating.

    Example

    The therapist noted that emotional cheating can often be as damaging to a marriage as physical infidelity.
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  1. 3 dishonest (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    describing someone who is dishonest or a way of doing things that breaks the rules.

    characterised by underhanded or unsporting behaviour; used to describe actions or individuals that bypass rules.

    Example

    He has a cheating heart and can never stay loyal to one person.

    Example

    The referee made a controversial call, accusing the defender of using cheating tactics to stop the striker.

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