Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Disloyalty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคฅ
Add to dictionary

disloyalty

[dษชsหˆlษ”ษชษ™lti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in relationships

The quality of being disloyal; lack of loyalty or faithfulness. It involves betrayal, deceit, and untrustworthiness towards someone who trusts you.

Synonyms

betrayal, faithlessness, treachery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disloyalty

Use when someone fails to support their country, group, or a person they are supposed to be loyal to.

  • Her disloyalty to the team was evident when she shared their strategies with the competitors.
  • Disloyalty among the ranks can cause a lot of distrust.
betrayal

Use in emotional or personal contexts where deep trust was broken, usually involving friends, family, or close relationships.

  • His friend's betrayal hurt him deeply.
  • The betrayal in her voice was unmistakable as she recounted the story.
treachery

Use in more serious or formal contexts to describe acts of deceit or betrayal often involving a violation of allegiance or trust.

  • The treachery of the spy was discovered after years of deceit.
  • His actions were seen as an act of treachery against the state.
faithlessness

Use when referring to the lack of faith or loyalty, especially in romantic relationships or formal commitments.

  • Her faithlessness led to the end of their marriage.
  • In the face of such faithlessness, it was hard to maintain trust.

Examples of usage

  • He felt deeply hurt by her disloyalty.
  • The disloyalty of his closest friend was a painful betrayal.
Context #2 | Noun

in politics

The action or state of being disloyal to a government or leader. It can involve subversion, rebellion, or opposition to authority.

Synonyms

opposition, rebellion, treason.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disloyalty

When someone fails to support or remain faithful to a person, group, or cause. Often used in personal or professional relationships.

  • Her disloyalty to her best friend was evident when she shared the secret.
  • The employee was fired for his disloyalty to the company.
treason

A very serious crime involving betrayal of one's country, typically by aiding enemies or attempting to overthrow the government. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • He was accused of treason for spying for the enemy during wartime.
  • Committing treason is punishable by death in many countries.
rebellion

A more serious and active form of resistance or defiance, often involving a group opposing authority, particularly in a political or social context.

  • The rebellion against the dictator gained widespread support.
  • Teenage rebellion is common as young people seek independence.
opposition

When someone disagrees with or resists something or someone, typically in a formal or political context. It's less severe than rebellion or treason.

  • There is strong opposition to the new law among the citizens.
  • The opposition party criticized the government's policies.

Examples of usage

  • The rebels were accused of disloyalty to the government.
  • The disloyalty of the opposition party was evident in their actions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that disloyalty can be linked to betrayal trauma, affecting relationships and trust.
  • Disloyalty often elicits strong emotional responses, including anger, sadness, and a sense of injustice.
  • Individuals experiencing disloyalty may find it challenging to rebuild trust, highlighting the complex nature of human relationships.

Literature

  • Disloyalty is a central theme in classical literature, often depicted in stories of betrayal, such as in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'.
  • Famous literary characters, like Brutus, illustrate the conflict between personal loyalty and moral choices, sparking discussion on the nature of disloyalty.
  • Contemporary novels often explore disloyalty within familial or romantic relationships, emphasizing its emotional toll and consequences.

Pop Culture

  • Disloyalty is a common trope in films and TV shows, often leading to dramatic plot twists and character development.
  • Reality television often highlights disloyalty among contestants, showcasing the intense emotions tied to betrayal.
  • Songs and literature frequently touch on themes of disloyalty, as they resonate deeply with audiences experiencing similar situations.

History

  • Throughout history, acts of disloyalty have sometimes been punishable by death, especially in royal courts.
  • Political disloyalty during the Cold War led to numerous espionage cases, where individuals betrayed their country for personal gain.
  • Historical figures faced public disgrace and ostracism for acts of disloyalty, impacting their legacies and the societies they lived in.

Origin of 'disloyalty'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'loyal' derived from the Old French 'loial', which means 'faithful'.
  • The concept of loyalty can be traced back to feudal times when lords depended on vassals for support and protection in exchange for loyalty.
  • Disloyalty historically indicated betrayal, especially in political and military contexts where allegiance was crucial.

The word 'disloyalty' originated from the old French word 'desloiaute', meaning infidelity or faithlessness. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century. Over the years, it has come to represent the breach of trust and faithfulness in various contexts, from personal relationships to political allegiances.

See also: disloyal, disloyally, loyalist, loyally, loyalty, unloyally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,357, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.