dishonest
UK: dɪsˈɒnɪst | US: dɪsˈɑːnɪst
adj. not truthful or sincere; intended to deceive
adj. (of an action) involving deceit or fraud
The word "dishonest" combines the prefix "dis-" (from Latin, meaning "not" or "opposite of") with the root "honest" (from Latin "honestus," meaning "honorable" or "truthful"). The prefix "dis-" negates the quality of honesty, creating a term that describes behavior contrary to truthfulness or integrity. Over time, "dishonest" evolved in Middle English to specifically denote deceitfulness or lack of sincerity, reflecting societal values around trust and moral conduct.
The salesman was dishonest about the car’s accident history.
She gave a dishonest answer to avoid getting into trouble.
Dishonest practices in the company led to its eventual downfall.
He was fired for being dishonest with his clients.
The article exposed the politician’s dishonest behavior.