Dictionary

1underhanded

adverb un·der·hand·ed \ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd\

Definition of UNDERHANDED

:  underhand
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First Known Use of UNDERHANDED

circa 1822

2underhanded

adjective

: done in a secret and dishonest way : intended to deceive or trick someone

Full Definition of UNDERHANDED

:  marked by secrecy, chicanery, and deception :  not honest and aboveboard :  sly <an underhanded attempt to gain power>
un·der·hand·ed·ly adverb
un·der·hand·ed·ness noun

First Known Use of UNDERHANDED

1853

Synonym Discussion of UNDERHANDED

secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation. secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive <met at a secret location>. covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared <covert intelligence operations>. stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing <the stealthy step of a burglar>. furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness <lovers exchanging furtive glances>. clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered <a clandestine meeting of conspirators>. surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority <the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons>. underhanded stresses fraud or deception <an underhanded trick>.
UNDERHANDEDNESS Defined for Kids

underhanded

adjective un·der·hand·ed \ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd\

Definition of UNDERHANDED for Kids

:  2underhand 1

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