Hypocriticalness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone acts in contradiction to their claimed beliefs or feelings. Often implies a moral judgement.

• His hypocriticalness was evident when he preached about honesty but lied at every opportunity.
• The politician's hypocriticalness was exposed when he championed environmental causes but secretly invested in pollution-heavy industries.

Refers to the quality of being untruthful or fraudulent; a general term that can apply to any form of lying or cheating.

• His dishonesty was revealed when the company audit exposed that he had been embezzling funds.
• Dishonesty in a relationship can lead to serious trust issues and a breakdown in communication.

Indicates a lack of genuine feeling; can be used when someone's actions or words are not aligned with their true feelings.

• She despised the insincerity of social functions where everyone pretended to like each other.
• His insincerity was obvious when he congratulated her through gritted teeth.

Implies an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true; often involves faking or pretending.

• The pretense of wealth was shattered when it was revealed that he was heavily in debt.
• Her pretense of joy was so convincing that no one realized she was struggling internally.

Describes a disposition to deceive, often implying a calculated or malicious intent.

• Her deceitfulness knew no bounds as she manipulated everyone around her to get what she wanted.
• The deceitfulness of the scam artist was disturbing; he targeted vulnerable people with no remorse.