Insincere: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone is not being honest or genuine in their feelings or expressions, usually in a general, everyday context.

• She gave an insincere smile when she met her friend's new boyfriend; He was insincere in his apologies

Appropriate when someone gives a false appearance of honesty or is not being entirely open about something.

• His disingenuous compliments were easy to see through; She was being disingenuous when she pretended to enjoy the party

Use this to describe someone who condemns others for behavior that they themselves do. This word strongly indicates a negative judgment.

• It was hypocritical of him to criticize her for being late when he is always late himself; Her hypocritical attitude annoyed everyone

Best used for statements or information that are untrue or incorrect, usually in factual or formal contexts.

• He gave a false statement to the police; The rumor about them getting married turned out to be false

Used when someone is actively trying to lie or deceive others. This word carries a stronger negative connotation.

• The salesman was deceitful about the car's history; Her deceitful behavior ruined our trust

Usually used to describe someone's actions or words that lack genuine feeling or meaning. Often implies a lack of honesty in intentions.

• Her compliment seemed insincere.
• He gave an insincere apology.

Implied when someone deliberately tells lies or hides the truth. It suggests an intention to deceive.

• He was dishonest about where he spent the money.
• She found out that her friend had been dishonest with her.

Often used to describe something that is not real or genuine, like a product or an emotion. It can also mean someone pretending to be something they are not.

• The designer handbag turned out to be fake.
• His smile felt fake.

Informal term similar to 'fake,' used to describe someone pretending to be something they’re not or something that lacks authenticity.

• She has a phony accent.
• The deal he offered seemed phony.

Less intense than 'dishonest', often used to describe someone who does not tell the truth, either by lying or misleading.

• The report was untruthful.
• He was untruthful about his qualifications.