Unfaithful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfaithful

[ʌnˈfeɪθfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

relationship

Not true to duty or obligation; untrustworthy; disloyal.

Synonyms

betraying, disloyal, faithless, treacherous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfaithful	Used when someone is not loyal, especially in a romantic relationship. He felt heartbroken when he found out she was unfaithful She checked for messages that might prove he was unfaithful
disloyal	Employed when someone is not supporting someone or something they are supposed to be loyal to. She felt disloyal to the company by considering a job offer elsewhere His disloyal behavior was noticed by his peers
treacherous	Used when someone is deceitful or dangerous, often implying a sense of hidden danger or betrayal. The treacherous waters were hard to navigate His treacherous actions led to the downfall of the organization
faithless	Used to describe someone who lacks fidelity or loyalty, often with a sense of moral judgment. The faithless knight abandoned his king in his time of need She was hurt by his faithless promises
betraying	Suitable when someone breaks trust or shows disloyalty, usually in a deeply personal or impactful way. Sharing that secret feels like betraying our friendship He was accused of betraying his country

Examples of usage

She discovered her husband was unfaithful when she found text messages from another woman.
The unfaithful employee leaked confidential information to a competitor.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

emotions

Not adhering to promises, allegiance, vows, etc.; not faithful.

Synonyms

fickle, inconstant, unreliable, unsteady.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfaithful	This word is often used in relationships to describe a person who has been disloyal or cheated. It carries a strong negative connotation. John was unfaithful to his wife, causing a lot of pain in their marriage She felt deeply hurt by his unfaithful actions
unreliable	Unreliable refers to someone or something that cannot be trusted or depended upon. It is commonly used in work, personal relationships, and when referring to products or services. Kevin is unreliable; he always shows up late to meetings The car is old and unreliable; it breaks down frequently
inconstant	This word is used to describe someone or something that is not steady in behavior or mood. It can be applied to personal traits, weather conditions, or performance. The weather here is quite inconstant; it can be sunny one moment and stormy the next His inconstant work performance led to his dismissal
fickle	Fickle is used to describe someone who changes their mind easily and frequently, especially in their loyalties or emotions. It can be used in various contexts, from personal relationships to work scenarios. Sarah is so fickle; one day she loves vanilla ice cream, the next day it's chocolate His fickle behavior makes it hard to rely on his decisions
unsteady	This word is often used to describe something physically unstable or wobbly. It can also refer to a person's emotional or mental state. He felt unsteady on his feet after the long hike Her unsteady voice revealed her nervousness during the speech

Examples of usage

Her unfaithful heart couldn't commit to one person.
He was unfaithful to his principles and changed his stance on the issue.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History & Culture

Throughout history, concepts of loyalty and fidelity have been central to many cultures, influencing laws and social norms around marriage.
In literature, characters portrayed as unfaithful often face dire consequences, serving as cautionary tales about loyalty.

Psychology

Studies indicate that feelings of jealousy can arise when one partner is perceived as unfaithful, often leading to significant emotional distress.
The reasons behind infidelity often reflect deeper issues in relationships, such as lack of communication or unmet needs.

Pop Culture

Unfaithfulness is a common theme in movies and television shows, from romantic dramas to thrillers, highlighting the complexity of human relationships.
Famous songs have been crafted around themes of betrayal, drawing attention to the emotional fallout of being unfaithful.

Literature

In Shakespeare’s works, unfaithfulness often leads to tragic outcomes, exemplifying how trust once broken can lead to chaos and sorrow.
Contemporary novels frequently explore the motivations behind unfaithfulness, providing readers with a nuanced view on human complexities.

Origin of 'unfaithful'

Main points about word origin

The term combines 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'faithful,' which comes from the Old English 'fēobel,' meaning 'loyal' or 'trustworthy.'
The prefix 'un-' commonly implies negation, making it a powerful tool in forming opposites in English.

The word 'unfaithful' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'faithful' meaning 'loyal or reliable'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe someone who is not true to duty, obligation, or promises. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various contexts, such as relationships and emotions, where lack of loyalty or reliability is highlighted.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,149, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19146 ported
19147 nape
19148 bleach
19149 unfaithful
19150 trilogy
19151 divisor
19152 crumble
...