First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
dishonest
adjective dis·hon·est \(ˌ)dis-ˈä-nəst also (ˌ)diz-\
: saying or likely to say things that are untrue
: containing information that is untrue
: used to deceive someone
Full Definition of DISHONEST
2
— dis·hon·est·ly adverb
See dishonest defined for English-language learners
See dishonest defined for kids
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Origin of DISHONEST
Middle English, from Anglo-French deshoneste, from des- dis- + honeste honest
Related to DISHONEST
- Synonyms
- lying, mendacious, untruthful
Synonym Discussion of DISHONEST
dishonest, deceitful, mendacious, untruthful mean unworthy of trust or belief. dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud <a swindle usually involves two dishonest people>. deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing <the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse>. mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths <mendacious tales of adventure>. untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality <an untruthful account of their actions>.
DISHONESTLY Defined for Kids
dishonest
adjective dis·hon·est \dis-ˈä-nəst\
Definition of DISHONEST for Kids
: not honest or trustworthy
— dis·hon·est·ly adverb
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