Untruthfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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untruthfulness

[ʌnˈtruːθfʊlnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in communication

The quality or fact of being untruthful; lack of truth or accuracy.

Synonyms

deceit, dishonesty, falsehood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untruthfulness	Used generally to describe the characteristic of not telling the truth. Often in formal or serious settings. Her untruthfulness cost her the trust of her colleagues
dishonesty	A broad term that encompasses any form of lying or cheating. Often used when referring to violations of moral or ethical codes. Dishonesty in exams can lead to serious consequences
falsehood	Refers specifically to a statement that is not true. Used often in legal, formal, or scholarly contexts. The witness was punished for spreading falsehoods in the court
deceit	Implies a deliberate act or practice meant to mislead or trick someone. Often used in contexts involving betrayal or trickery. The company's deceit led to a major scandal

Examples of usage

He was accused of untruthfulness in his statements to the press.
She always spoke with untruthfulness, never giving a straight answer.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in behavior

The act or practice of not telling the truth; dishonesty.

Synonyms

fabrication, lying, mendacity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untruthfulness	This word is typically used in a more formal setting to describe a lack of honesty or truth in someone's statements. It can apply to both spoken and written words and is often used in discussions about integrity and ethics. The witness's untruthfulness was evident during the testimony. Untruthfulness in journalism can greatly damage a publication's credibility.
lying	This is a general term for making statements that are not true, usually with the intent to deceive. It is a straightforward way to describe someone not telling the truth and can be used in both casual and serious contexts. Lying to your friends can ruin your relationship with them. She was caught lying about her qualifications.
fabrication	Commonly used to describe a falsehood that has been deliberately invented. Often used in contexts involving deceitful actions, such as creating false documents or stories. It has a strong negative connotation. The report was dismissed as a complete fabrication. His alibi turned out to be a clever fabrication.
mendacity	A formal and literary word that describes habitual lying or a tendency to lie. It is often used in more elaborate or intellectual discussions and has a strong negative connotation. The politician's mendacity was exposed by the investigative journalist. In classic literature, characters often grapple with their own mendacity.

Examples of usage

Her untruthfulness led to the breakdown of trust in the relationship.
Their untruthfulness was exposed when the evidence came to light.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'untruthfulness' combines 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'truth', showing it directly relates to the absence of truth.
Its roots can be traced back to the Old English word 'trūth', meaning 'faithfulness, constancy, or certainty'.
The prefix 'un-' has been used since the 14th century to denote negation in English.

Psychology

Studies show that untruthfulness can stem from a fear of negative consequences or a desire for approval.
People often lie to protect others' feelings, demonstrating a complex relationship between honesty and empathy.
Cognitive dissonance can arise when someone's beliefs conflict with their actions, leading them to be untruthful.

Literature

Many classic novels explore themes of deception, showcasing how untruthfulness impacts relationships and societal norms.
Shakespeare’s works often highlight the consequences of untruthfulness, using characters who manipulate truths for personal gain.
In George Orwell's '1984', the manipulation of truth is central to the narrative, illustrating how falsehoods can control society.

Law

Perjury, the act of lying under oath, is a serious offense reflecting untruthfulness in legal settings.
Legal systems worldwide have established penalties for false statements, reinforcing the importance of honesty.
Fraud cases often rely on uncovering untruthfulness, as deceit is central to legal violations involving financial crimes.

Cultural Perspectives

Certain cultures place a strong emphasis on honor and truth-telling, viewing untruthfulness as a severe social breach.
In some traditions, storytelling incorporates exaggeration or embellishment, blurring lines between truth and untruth.
Philosophical discussions around ethics often debate the nuances of 'truth' and 'lie', exploring situations where untruthfulness may be considered acceptable.

Translations

Translations of the word "untruthfulness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falsidade

🇮🇳 असत्यता

🇩🇪 Unwahrheit

🇮🇩 ketidakbenaran

🇺🇦 неправдивість

🇵🇱 nieprawdziwość

🇯🇵 虚偽

🇫🇷 mensonge

🇪🇸 falsedad

🇹🇷 doğruluk dışı

🇰🇷 허위

🇸🇦 كذب

🇨🇿 nepravdivost

🇸🇰 nepravdivosť

🇨🇳 虚假

🇸🇮 nelažnost

🇮🇸 ósannindi

🇰🇿 өтірікшілік

🇬🇪 უსინამდვილობა

🇦🇿 yalançılıq

🇲🇽 falsedad

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,890 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34887 lemming
34888 caustically
34889 escapee
34890 untruthfulness
34891 slalom
34892 theatrics
34893 outgrowing
...