# untrustworthy

/ənˈtɹəstˌwɝði/ (US) · /ʌntɹˈʌstwɜːði/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

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

## Definition

not honest or reliable. You use this to describe someone or something you cannot believe because they might lie or break their promises.

For teachers: 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.

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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.