Word
mistrust
Phoneticsmis·trust, stress on the second syllable
US/mɪˈstɹəst/
UK/mɪstɹˈʌst/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the feeling that you cannot trust someone or something. You feel this when you think someone might be dishonest or that a situation is not safe.
n. a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. Often arises from a suspicion of deceit or a history of unreliability.
Examples
“There is a deep mistrust between the two neighbors.”
“The public's mistrust of the new policy grew after several officials failed to explain the budget cuts.”
“Years of broken promises and inconsistent communication have fostered a climate of mutual mistrust that now hampers any attempt at diplomatic reconciliation.”
Examples
simple
“There is a deep mistrust between the two neighbors.”
contextual
“The public's mistrust of the new policy grew after several officials failed to explain the budget cuts.”
complex
“Years of broken promises and inconsistent communication have fostered a climate of mutual mistrust that now hampers any attempt at diplomatic reconciliation.”
Usage
Often takes the preposition 'of' before the object of suspicion.
Pitfall
I have a mistrust for him
I have a mistrust of him
While 'for' is occasionally seen, 'of' is the standard and more common preposition used with the noun 'mistrust'.
Real-World Examples
“Sixty-four percent said they mistrusted their tap water.” Etymology
From Middle English mistrust; equivalent to mis- + trust.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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