# disingenuous

/dɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs/ (US) · /dˌɪsɪndʒˈɛnjuːəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disingenuous
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

not honest or fair. You use this to describe someone who tries to trick you or hide the truth on purpose.

For teachers: unfair or dishonest in a way that suggests a lack of sincerity or a deliberate attempt to mislead. Often used to describe arguments or statements that appear to be logical but are actually based on hidden motives.

## Examples

- His disingenuous answer did not satisfy the committee.
- The politician's disingenuous claim about the budget was quickly debunked by the financial experts.
- The lawyer's disingenuous strategy relied on selective evidence to create a misleading narrative that would sway the jury's opinion.

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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.