Untruthfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.