English Reference
Noun

dishonesty

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /dɪˈsɑnəsti/ UK /dɪsˈɒnɪsti/ dis·hon·esty UK spelling dishonesties

n.the act of lying, cheating, or being untrustworthy. It means not being honest with other people.

n.the quality of being deceitful or the act of behaving in an untrustworthy manner. Often involves the intentional distortion of truth to gain an advantage.


SIMPLE

His dishonesty caused him to lose his job.

CONTEXTUAL

The investigation revealed a pattern of financial dishonesty that had been hidden from the board for years.

COMPLEX

While a single lie might be forgiven, a reputation for systemic dishonesty is nearly impossible to repair in a professional environment where trust is the primary currency.

Usage

Uncountable in its abstract sense; can be used with 'of' to describe specific acts.

Others are angry that he appears to be using his neurodivergence as an excuse for dishonesty, which of course it’s not.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

From Middle English dishoneste (“disgrace, filth”), from Old French deshoneste, equivalent to dis- + honesty or dishonest + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French deshoneste
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated