Untrustworthily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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untrustworthily

[ʌnˈtrʌstˌwɜːrðɪli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a dishonest or unreliable manner

Acting untrustworthily means behaving in a manner that is not reliable or honest. It involves actions that cannot be trusted or depended upon.

Synonyms

dishonestly, suspiciously, unreliably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untrustworthily	This word is somewhat repetitive with 'untrustworthily' listed first and appears to be a mistake. Please refer to the previous entry for its usage and examples.
dishonestly	This word is best used when talking about someone who lies or cheats. Common in both casual and formal contexts and often carries a negative connotation. He dishonestly took credit for his colleague's work
unreliably	This word is useful for describing someone who cannot be depended on to act consistently or correctly, often used in everyday situations. The old car started unreliably, leaving them stranded on several occasions
suspiciously	Use this word when describing someone acting in a way that makes others think they are up to no good. It can also describe a speculative or distrustful manner, common in everyday conversation. She looked at him suspiciously when he couldn't explain where he had been

Examples of usage

She behaved untrustworthily by lying about her whereabouts.
The company was operating untrustworthily by hiding important information from its customers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that people often judge trustworthiness based on facial expressions rather than actions.
A lack of trust can significantly impact interpersonal relationships, often leading to communication breakdowns.
Research indicates that when someone behaves untrustworthily, it often stems from deeper psychological issues like insecurity or past betrayals.

Literature

Famous works often explore themes of trust and betrayal, such as Shakespeare's 'Othello', where misplaced trust leads to tragedy.
In modern literature, unreliable narrators are common, prompting readers to question the truth of the story being told.
Classic novels like 'The Great Gatsby' depict characters whose untrustworthy actions lead to disastrous consequences.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, trustworthiness is highly valued, often affecting social standings and relationships.
Different cultures have varying norms about trust, with some emphasizing community trust while others prioritize individual accountability.
Folklore and fables frequently feature characters that symbolize trust and betrayal, teaching moral lessons about reliability.

Social Dynamics

In professional settings, untrustworthy behavior can undermine teamwork and create a toxic work environment.
Trustworthiness between leaders and followers is crucial for effective governance and business success.
People often find it difficult to re-establish trust once it has been broken, impacting future interactions.

Origin of 'untrustworthily'

Main points about word origin

The word 'untrustworthy' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'trustworthy', which describes a person who can be trusted.
The earliest written use of 'trust' in English dates back to the early 14th century, derived from the Old Norse word 'traust'.
The concept of trust evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in society, relationships, and economies.

The word 'untrustworthily' is derived from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'trustworthy,' which originated from the Middle English word 'trusti' meaning 'faithful, reliable.' The suffix '-ly' is added to 'trustworthy' to form the adverb 'untrustworthily.' The term has been in use since the 17th century to describe actions or behaviors that are not reliable or honest.