Underhanded: meaning, definitions and examples

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underhanded

 

[ ˌʌndərˈhændɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Characterized by deceit or dishonesty; not straightforward or honest.

Synonyms

deceitful, dishonest, sneaky

Examples of usage

  • He resorted to underhanded tactics to win the competition.
  • The underhanded scheme was eventually exposed by the authorities.
Context #2 | Adjective

action

Done secretly or in a way that is not easily noticed.

Synonyms

covert, stealthy, surreptitious

Examples of usage

  • She made an underhanded move to gain an advantage in the game.
  • The underhanded deal was made behind closed doors.

Translations

Translations of the word "underhanded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sub-reptício

🇮🇳 छलपूर्ण

🇩🇪 hinterhältig

🇮🇩 licik

🇺🇦 підступний

🇵🇱 podstępny

🇯🇵 陰険な

🇫🇷 sournois

🇪🇸 engañoso

🇹🇷 sinsi

🇰🇷 교활한

🇸🇦 مخادع

🇨🇿 záludný

🇸🇰 zákerný

🇨🇳 阴险的

🇸🇮 zahrbten

🇮🇸 undirförull

🇰🇿 айлакер

🇬🇪 მატყუარა

🇦🇿 hiyləgər

🇲🇽 engañoso

Etymology

The word 'underhanded' has its origins in the early 19th century. It combines the prefix 'under-' meaning 'beneath' or 'below', and 'handed' referring to the hand as a symbol of action or work. The term originally referred to actions done in a deceitful or dishonest manner, often in a way that was not easily noticed or detected.

See also: under, underage, underbelly, underbody, underfed, underling, underneath, underpants, underside, understand, underwear.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,610 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.