Unbelieving: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone is completely unable to accept something as true, often due to a strong preconceived notion or belief.

• She was unbelieving when they told her about the surprise party.

When someone questions the truth or validity of something, often requiring evidence or proof before believing.

• John was skeptical about the effectiveness of the new diet pills.

When someone has uncertainty or lacks confidence in something or someone's reliability.

• She felt doubtful about passing the exam without more studying.

When a person explicitly refuses to believe something, typically something that is generally accepted by others.

• He had a disbelieving look on his face when he heard the news.

When someone is wary and believes that someone or something might be dangerous or deceitful. This word often has a negative connotation.

• The police were suspicious of his alibi since it had several inconsistencies.

Used when someone simply does not believe something, often due to lack of evidence or because it’s hard to accept.

• She remained unbelieving despite all the eyewitness accounts.
• His tone was unbelieving when he heard the news.

Used when someone has a general lack of trust in people or things, usually because of past experiences or inherent caution.

• She was distrustful of strangers after being cheated once.
• He gave a distrustful glance at the new employee.

Used when someone suspects something is wrong, dishonest, or not as it seems, often implying a level of alertness or caution.

• His suspicious behavior made them think he was hiding something.
• The police grew suspicious of the man's unusual movements.

Used when someone is inclined to doubt or question beliefs, statements, or the validity of certain claims, especially those that lack concrete evidence.

• She was skeptical about the diet's effectiveness.
• He remained skeptical until he saw the results for himself.

Used when someone believes that people are mostly motivated by self-interest, often in a critical manner. It has a negative connotation.

• He had a cynical view of politics, thinking all politicians were corrupt.
• Her cynical laughter made everyone uncomfortable.