Definition of dishonest

< disheveled

dishonesty >

dis·hon·est    (ds-nst) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Disposed to lie, cheat, defraud, or deceive.
2. Resulting from or marked by a lack of honesty.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English dishoneste, dishonorable, from Old French deshoneste, probably from Medieval Latin *dishonestus : Latin dis-, dis- + Latin honestus, honorable ; see honest

OTHER FORMS:
dis·honest·ly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
dishonest, lying², untruthful, deceitful, mendacious

These adjectives mean lacking honesty or truthfulness. Dishonest is the least specific: a dishonest business executive. Lying conveys a blunt accusation of untruth: a lying witness giving inconsistent testimony. Untruthful is a softer term and suggests lack of veracity and divergence from fact: made an untruthful statement. Deceitful implies misleading by falsehood or by concealment of the truth: deceitful advertising. Mendacious is more formal than lying, and suggests a chronic inclination toward untruth: a mendacious and troublesome employee.