# disloyal

/dɪˈsɫɔɪəɫ/ (US) · /dɪslˈɔɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disloyal
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

behaving in a way that shows you do not support or care for someone or something you are supposed to. You use this when someone breaks a promise or betrays a friend.

For teachers: behaving in a manner that shows a lack of support or fidelity to a person, group, or cause. Often used to describe actions that violate a sense of duty or trust.

## Examples

- He felt disloyal when he told his friend's secret.
- The manager was fired for being disloyal to the company by sharing confidential plans with a competitor.
- The politician faced intense criticism for his disloyal behavior, which many viewed as a betrayal of the very principles he had once championed.

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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.