# dishonesty

/dɪˈsɑnəsti/ (US) · /dɪsˈɒnɪsti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dishonesty
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- His dishonesty caused him to lose his job.
- The investigation revealed a pattern of financial dishonesty that had been hidden from the board for years.
- 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 notes

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

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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.