Untrustworthy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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untrustworthy
[หสnหtrสstหwษrรฐi ]
Definitions
behavior
Not able to be relied on as honest or truthful; not trustworthy.
Synonyms
deceitful, dishonest, unfaithful, unreliable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| untrustworthy |
Used to describe people or things that cannot be trusted in general. This term is broad and can apply to various situations involving lack of trust.
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| dishonest |
Used to describe someone who lies or cheats. This term is also negative but doesn't necessarily imply the same level of intent to deceive as 'deceitful'.
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| unreliable |
Describes people or things that frequently fail to do what is expected of them. This is often used in the context of dependability rather than honesty.
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| deceitful |
Applied to people who deliberately try to mislead or lie to others. It has a strong negative connotation and suggests intentional dishonesty.
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| unfaithful |
Often used in the context of relationships, especially romantic ones, to describe someone who is not loyal or cheats on their partner.
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Examples of usage
- He is known for being untrustworthy in business deals.
- Her untrustworthy behavior made it difficult to believe her promises.
person
Not deserving trust or confidence; unreliable.
Synonyms
duplicitous, faithless, treacherous, unreliable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| untrustworthy |
It is used to describe someone or something that is not reliable or dependable. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
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| unreliable |
Describes someone or something that cannot be depended upon. It has a less intense negative connotation compared to words like 'treacherous' or 'duplicitous' and is used in everyday situations.
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| faithless |
Used to describe someone who is not loyal or is unfaithful, particularly in relationships. It has a negative connotation and is often used in serious or emotional contexts.
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| treacherous |
Typically describes someone who betrays trust or is deceitful. It can also describe something that is hazardous or dangerous. The word has a strong negative connotation.
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| duplicitous |
This term describes someone who is deceitful or two-faced, often pretending to be someone they're not. It has a negative connotation and is used in more formal or serious contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The untrustworthy salesman tried to scam his customers.
- She proved to be untrustworthy when she betrayed her friend's secret.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that untrustworthiness can often be perceived based on non-verbal cues, like body language or tone of voice.
- Psychological research indicates that once someone is labeled as untrustworthy, it can be difficult for them to change that perception in others.
- People often rely on heuristics or mental shortcuts to assess trustworthiness, which can lead to biases in judgment.
Pop Culture
- Untrustworthy characters are often depicted in movies and books as villains or traitors, adding drama and tension to the story.
- In fairy tales, characters who are untrustworthy often face consequences, teaching moral lessons about honesty and integrity.
- Famous figures like con artists or double agents in spy films embody the traits of being shifty and unreliable.
Education
- Teaching children about trustworthy behaviors often includes discussing untrustworthiness as a cautionary example.
- Educational programs sometimes integrate role-playing to help kids recognize trustworthy versus untrustworthy behaviors in peers.
- Understanding untrustworthiness is vital in developing critical thinking skills, helping individuals make informed choices about relationships.
Sociology
- Social groups often develop norms about trust, influencing which behaviors are classified as trustworthy or untrustworthy.
- Cultural differences can affect perceptions of what is considered trustworthy behavior, highlighting that trust is socially constructed.
- Communities who foster trust often have stronger social ties, making it less likely for untrustworthy behaviors to persist.
Origin of 'untrustworthy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'untrustworthy' comes from adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to 'trustworthy,' which means deserving of trust.
- The concept of trust has origins in Old Norse, where 'traust' meant reliance or support.
- In English, the roots of 'trustworthy' can be traced back to the early 15th century, indicating a long-standing need for honesty.
The word 'untrustworthy' originated from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'trustworthy'. The term has been in use since the 16th century and has evolved to describe individuals or things that cannot be relied upon due to lack of honesty or reliability.
See also: distrust, distrustful, entrust, entrusting, mistrust, mistrustful, mistrustfully, trust, trustee, trustful, trustfulness, trustingly, trustworthily, trustworthiness, trustworthy, untrusting, untrustworthily, untrustworthiness.