# deceptive

/dɪˈsɛptɪv/ (US) · /dɪsˈɛptɪv/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deceptive
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

giving an appearance or impression that is different from the true reality. You use it when something looks one way but is actually another.

For teachers: giving an appearance or impression different from the true reality; misleading. Often used to describe physical appearances or statistical data that mask an underlying truth.

## Examples

- The calm sea was deceptive because the current was very strong.
- The house's small exterior is deceptive, as it actually contains five large bedrooms and a spacious basement.
- Economists warned that the deceptive rise in consumer spending was fueled by temporary debt rather than a genuine increase in household wealth or long-term financial stability.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the deceptive of the results" but "the deceptiveness of the results" — Learners sometimes use the adjective 'deceptive' where the noun 'deception' or 'deceptiveness' is required.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'look'. Frequently paired with 'highly' or 'potentially'.

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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.