Word
untrustworthy
Phoneticsun·trust·wor·thy, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈtɹəstˌwɝði/
UK/ʌntɹˈʌstwɜːði/
Definition
adj. not honest or reliable. You use this to describe someone or something you cannot believe because they might lie or break their promises.
adj. not reliable or honest; likely to be deceptive or dishonest. Often used to describe a person's character or the integrity of a system.
Examples
“He is an untrustworthy person who always lies.”
“The old bridge is considered untrustworthy because it has not been maintained for decades and is at risk of collapse.”
“The witness was dismissed from the trial because his previous testimony was found to be untrustworthy, casting doubt on the entire investigation's credibility.”
Examples
simple
“He is an untrustworthy person who always lies.”
contextual
“The old bridge is considered untrustworthy because it has not been maintained for decades and is at risk of collapse.”
complex
“The witness was dismissed from the trial because his previous testimony was found to be untrustworthy, casting doubt on the entire investigation's credibility.”
Real-World Examples
“The poll’s results have 50% of those surveyed saying the Scottish National Party is “incompetent”, while 51% called it “untrustworthy”.” “Specifically, cues setting expectations of a disappointing or untrustworthy result will reduce motivation.” “But if done manipulatively it can harm your career and make you seem untrustworthy.” Etymology
From un- + trustworthy.
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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englishreference.com/q/untrustworthy