# mistrust

/mɪˈstɹəst/ (US) · /mɪstɹˈʌst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mistrust
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I have a mistrust for him" but "I have a mistrust of him" — While 'for' is occasionally seen, 'of' is the standard and more common preposition used with the noun 'mistrust'.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'of' before the object of suspicion.

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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.