# cheating

/ˈtʃitɪŋ/ (US) · /tʃˈiːtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cheating
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. breaking rules

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The teacher warned the students that any cheating would result in a failing grade.
- Widespread cheating in the professional cycling circuit led to a complete overhaul of the anti-doping regulations and testing protocols.

### 2. infidelity

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- She ended the relationship after she discovered his cheating.
- The therapist noted that emotional cheating can often be as damaging to a marriage as physical infidelity.

### 3. dishonest

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- He has a cheating heart and can never stay loyal to one person.
- The referee made a controversial call, accusing the defender of using cheating tactics to stop the striker.

## Examples

- The school has a strict policy against cheating.
- The athlete was stripped of his gold medal after officials discovered evidence of cheating during the final race.
- While some view minor rule-breaking as a harmless shortcut, the administration maintains that any form of cheating undermines the integrity of the entire educational system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.